- World’s Biggest Boxship Arrives at Vizhinjam Amid Port Congestion.
- MSC Irina Anchors Off Kerala Coast, Berthing Expected by June 8.
- Captain from Kerala Commands Historic Voyage of MSC Irina to Vizhinjam.
The MSC Irina, the world’s largest container vessel, has just made its way to the outer anchorage of Vizhinjam International Seaport, marking a significant milestone as it’s the ship’s first visit to a South Asian port, reports Marine Insight.
World’s Largest Container Ship
This impressive vessel, operated by the Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)—the biggest name in container shipping—belongs to the six-ship Irina-class series. With a staggering capacity of 24,346 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), it holds the title for the highest container capacity globally.
Measuring 399.99 meters in length and 61.3 meters in width, the ship has a summer deadweight of 240,739 tonnes. To put that into perspective, it’s nearly as long as four football fields, and when fully loaded, the containers stacked on board can reach heights comparable to a 22 to 25-storey building.
Berthing Delayed Due to Congestion
MSC Irina arrived at Vizhinjam’s outer anchorage on Tuesday evening, June 3, but it hasn’t docked yet due to congestion at the port. With six ships currently waiting, it’s anticipated that the vessel will be able to berth sometime between June 6 and 8, depending on slot availability.
For the time being, MSC Irina has turned off its engines and is drifting just outside the port limits. Authorities have confirmed that during its stay, the vessel is expected to handle around 4,000 container movements.
Not the First Irina-Class at Vizhinjam
Interestingly, MSC Irina is the third Irina-class vessel to visit Vizhinjam, following in the wake of MSC Türkiye and MSC Michel Cappellini. This ship is part of MSC’s Jade service, which links Europe and Asia via the Cape of Good Hope. Its last port of call was Singapore, from where it set sail on May 28.
Vizhinjam’s Growing Global Importance
Vizhinjam port has been steadily gaining recognition on the global stage, having handled 7.2 lakh TEUs since it began operations. In just the current financial year, the port has successfully managed 2.20 lakh TEUs, according to port officials.
Captain from Kerala at the Helm
Meet Captain Willy Antony, the ship’s master who proudly hails from Puranattukara, Thrissur in Kerala. With an impressive 29 years of maritime experience under his belt, he’s sailed to over 120 countries and has been at the helm of MSC Irina since it set sail in March 2023. His current journey kicked off in Singapore back in April, where he was briefly joined by his wife and son, who had to disembark in Singapore.
Captain Willy couldn’t hide his excitement about bringing the ship to his home state, but he also shared a tinge of disappointment for not being able to catch up with family or friends, thanks to the lack of shore leave and crew change facilities at Vizhinjam.
No Shore Leave or Crew Change
Currently, the 35-member crew is stuck onboard since shore leave and crew changes are on hold. Immigration clearance isn’t available, and family visits are off the table while the ship is anchored. Even though the vessel is stationary, it still needs constant attention due to the wind and currents.
The crew is busy with their regular tasks, which include navigational watches and collision checks. Their operations are divided between the deck department, led by the captain and his officers, and the engine department, managed by the chief engineer and his team.
Massive Vessel Needs Four Tugs for Berthing
Flying the Liberian flag, MSC Irina will need four tugboats for berthing, twice the usual amount because of its enormous size. While the monsoon season might bring some challenges, Captain Willy is confident in the port’s skilled team, which includes two of his former colleagues, to ensure a smooth docking process.
Special Welcome Planned
Port authorities are gearing up for a special welcome and a custom memento for Captain Willy, reminiscent of the warm gesture extended to the captain of San Fernando, the first mother vessel to dock at Vizhinjam in July 2023. Notable arrivals like MSC Claude Girardet (September 2024) and MSC Turkiye (April 2025) have played a significant role in establishing Vizhinjam’s reputation on the global maritime stage.
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Source: Marine Insight
