World’s Largest Container Ship MSC IRINA to Make Historic Debut at Vizhinjam Port on June 9

Vizhinjam International Seaport is set to make history as it welcomes the MSC IRINA, the world’s largest container ship by TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) capacity, on Monday, June 9. This marks the vessel’s maiden visit to any port in South Asia, underscoring Vizhinjam’s advanced infrastructure and capacity to handle Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs).

With a massive capacity of 24,346 TEUs, the MSC IRINA is a milestone in global maritime engineering and logistics. The ship measures 399.9 metres in length and 61.3 metres in width—approximately four times the length of a FIFA-standard football field—making it a remarkable engineering feat.

Purpose-built for the efficient transportation of high-volume container cargo between Asia and Europe, the MSC IRINA plays a pivotal role in strengthening international trade routes and boosting logistical efficiency. The vessel is scheduled to dock at Vizhinjam on Monday morning and will remain berthed until Tuesday, June 10.

This arrival is particularly significant as it comes shortly after the seaport was officially dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2. It also adds to Vizhinjam’s growing reputation as a strategic maritime hub, following recent visits by other Icon-class vessels such as MSC Türkiye and MSC Michel Cappellini.

Launched in March 2023 and having embarked on its maiden voyage in April 2023, the MSC IRINA sails under the Liberian flag. It is engineered to stack containers up to 26 tiers high, offering unmatched container-handling capacity.

The vessel surpasses its predecessor, OOCL Spain, by 150 TEUs, setting a new benchmark in the shipping industry. In line with modern environmental standards, MSC IRINA features energy-efficient technologies that enable up to 4% reduction in carbon emissions, significantly lowering its environmental footprint without compromising on performance.

The docking of MSC IRINA at Vizhinjam not only reinforces the port’s strategic importance in global maritime trade but also showcases India’s progress in sustainable port operations and infrastructure. It marks a major leap forward in the country’s ambition to become a key player in global shipping and logistics.

Fact Box: MSC IRINA and Vizhinjam International Seaport

• MSC IRINA is the world’s largest container ship by TEU capacity
• Capacity: 24,346 TEUs
• Dimensions: Length – 399.9 metres; Width – 61.3 metres
• Its length is roughly four times that of a FIFA football field
• Specifically designed to transport large volumes between Asia and Europe
• First-ever South Asian port call: Vizhinjam, on June 9
• Berthing Duration: June 9–10
• Vizhinjam Seaport was dedicated by PM Narendra Modi on May 2
• Known for handling ULCVs and Icon-class vessels
• Recent arrivals include MSC Türkiye and MSC Michel Cappellini
• Launched: March 2023; Maiden voyage: April 2023
• Flag: Liberia
• Can stack containers up to 26 tiers high
• Surpasses OOCL Spain by 150 TEUs
• Equipped with energy-saving features
• Achieves up to 4% reduction in carbon emissions