Karan Adani welcomes MSC Irina, the world’s largest container ship, to Vizhinjam Port, marking a milestone for India in global transshipment. With 24,346 TEUs capacity, the ship’s arrival underscores Adani Ports’ bold vision, rising global stature, and ambitious sustainability and operational goals for 2030 and beyond.
In a landmark moment that highlights India’s expanding footprint in global maritime trade, Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), welcomed MSC Irina, the world’s largest container ship, to the Vizhinjam International Seaport. With a massive capacity of 24,346 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), the vessel’s arrival represents a strategic and symbolic leap for India’s logistics infrastructure.
Karan Adani shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Proud to welcome MSC Irina, the world’s largest container ship with a capacity of 24,346 TEUs, to our Vizhinjam Port. This marks the vessel’s maiden visit to South Asian shores, making it a milestone not just for Vizhinjam but for India’s emergence as a key player in global transshipment. A bold vision now in motion.”
The arrival of MSC Irina marks the first time a vessel of such size has docked in South Asia, placing Vizhinjam and India on the global logistics map. Measuring 399.9 metres in length and 61.3 metres in width, the ship is approximately four times longer than a standard FIFA football field. This momentous event comes just weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially dedicated the Vizhinjam Port to the nation on May 2, underscoring its strategic significance.
Built with cutting-edge technology, MSC Irina was launched in March 2023 and began operations in April 2023. The vessel sails under the Liberian flag and can stack containers up to 26 tiers high, representing a new benchmark in global shipping and port logistics.
The MSC Irina is designed primarily for Asia-Europe trade routes, enhancing supply chain efficiency and cutting down transit time. With this bold move, APSEZ has positioned Vizhinjam as a serious contender in the global transshipment space. The port’s location near major international shipping lanes adds to its strategic advantage, making it a gateway for trade in the Indian Ocean region.
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This docking not only amplifies India’s potential as a logistics hub, but also sends a clear signal to global shipping giants that the country is ready for high-capacity, state-of-the-art port operations. It also aligns with India’s broader maritime vision, which includes the PM Gati Shakti plan and the Sagarmala initiative to boost port-led development.
The arrival of MSC Irina comes at a time when APSEZ is witnessing record-breaking growth. The company handled 450 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo in the FY 2024–25, registering a 7% year-on-year increase. Its flagship Mundra Port made history by crossing the 200 MMT cargo mark in a single fiscal year, a first for any Indian port.
These achievements are part of APSEZ’s ambitious roadmap. The group aims to become the world’s largest port operator by 2030, achieve carbon neutrality by 2025, and reach net-zero emissions by 2040. These sustainability goals position the company as a responsible leader in global trade, balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.
The berthing of MSC Irina at Vizhinjam is more than just a milestone—it’s a turning point in India’s maritime journey. It reflects the bold vision of leaders like Karan Adani and the strategic foresight of the Adani Group. As global shipping continues to evolve, India’s ports are not just catching up—they are setting new benchmarks. The background of this achievement, rooted in visionary planning and relentless execution, suggests that the future of Indian maritime trade is not only bright but also transformational.
