MSC IRINA Docks at Vizhinjam Seaport on June 9, 2025.
In a historic milestone for Indian maritime infrastructure, the world’s largest container ship, MSC IRINA, docked at the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala on June 9, 2025. This marks the first time a vessel of such immense scale has berthed at an Indian port, signaling Vizhinjam’s emergence as a major global transshipment hub.
Operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), MSC IRINA boasts a staggering capacity of 24,346 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), making it the largest container ship in the world by volume. The vessel stretches nearly 400 meters in length and 61 meters in width, capable of stacking containers up to 26 tiers high. It sails under the Liberian flag and incorporates energy-efficient technologies that reduce emissions by approximately 4%, aligning with global sustainability goals 1.
Vizhinjam Seaport, developed by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd, is India’s first Mega Transshipment Container Terminal. Strategically located just 10 nautical miles from one of the world’s busiest east-west shipping lanes, the port is poised to rival major transshipment hubs like Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai. The arrival of MSC IRINA is a strong endorsement of the port’s readiness to handle Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) and its potential to transform India’s role in global trade 1.
The docking follows the port’s recent inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and comes amid growing interest from global shipping lines. With India’s container traffic projected to surge in the coming years, Vizhinjam’s state-of-the-art facilities and strategic location could redefine the country’s maritime future.
