Vizhinjam International Seaport etched its name in maritime history on Monday by receiving MSC Irina, the world’s largest container ship by capacity. This marks the ship's first-ever visit to a South Asian port, highlighting Vizhinjam's rising prominence in global shipping and its readiness to host Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs).
Commanded by Thrissur native Willy Antony, MSC Irina arrived at the port’s outer anchorage on June 3. The vessel spans an impressive 399.9 metres long and 61.3 metres wide—almost four times the length of a FIFA-standard football field. Built to carry massive container volumes between Asia and Europe, the ship sails under the Liberian flag.
Boasting a record-breaking capacity of 24,346 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), MSC Irina can stack containers up to 26 tiers high. The vessel is also equipped with advanced, energy-efficient technologies that help reduce carbon emissions by up to 4%, making it a sustainable choice for large-scale maritime transport.
Vizhinjam Port has also received other major Icon-class vessels like MSC Türkiye and MSC Michel Cappellini, reinforcing its position as a growing centre for global shipping activity.
