MSC Irina Vizhinjam Port Kerala India: The world's largest container ship MSC Irina is going to knock for the first time at Vizhinjam Port in Kerala in India. The arrival of MSC Irina in India is being considered historic in many ways. This ship is not only unprecedented in size, but it is being commanded by an Indian captain Willy Antony.

The world's largest ship MSC Irina is about 400 meters long (equivalent to four football fields) and as high as a 22-storey building. MSC Irina has not yet reached even huge ports like Dubai and Colombo. He is coming to Thiruvananthapuram Vizhinjam port in Kerala in India. It has been just a month since it was commissioned.

MSC Irina Captain: Who is Captain Willy Antony of MSC Irina?

Captain Willy Antony of the giant container ship MSC Irina hails from Puranattukara in Thrissur district of Kerala. 47-year-old Willy Antony has been in maritime service for the last 29 years and has traveled to more than 120 countries so far. He has been commanding this ship since its commissioning in the year 2023. This journey of MSC Irina has reached India via countries like China, Singapore and South Korea. Talking to the media, Captain Willy says, "It is a moment full of pride and emotions for me to bring this ship to my home soil."

Why is the arrival of MSC Irina special for India?

The arrival of MSC Irina at Vizhinjam Port in Kerala is not only challenging from a technical point of view, but also indicates the firm establishment of India on the global maritime map. This port is now becoming a center of attraction for global shipping companies due to its natural depth and strategic position.

To dock this ship, four tugs will be required instead of the two tug boats usually used. The total capacity of the ship is 24,346 TEUs (20 feet long container unit), of which about 4,000 containers will be handled here.

Congestion at Vizhinjam Port, delay likely

MSC Irina may have to wait a little longer for docking at Vizhinjam Port, as seven other ships are already in the queue for docking at the port. As per the initial plan, MSC Irina was to dock on June 5, 2025, but now this process may be delayed till June 7 or 8.

Crew not yet allowed to land

Total crew number on MSC Irina ship: 35 members, including another Keralite, trainee Abhinandan from Kasargod. However, the port has not yet fully restored the facility of Crew Change and Shore Leave, which has not allowed the crew to land. On this, Captain Willy said, "Along with facilitating shipping, basic facilities should also be provided on land for sailors like us."

Preparations for the arrival of MSC Irina

According to media reports, the Vizhinjam Port Administration of Kerala is making special preparations to make this historic arrival memorable. Captain Willy will be given a special memento, as was given to the captain of the first 'mother vessel' named San Fernando in July last year.

Growing India, Growing Vizhinjam

Kerala's Vizhinjam Port has rapidly emerged on the global map in the last few years. In the last few months, big ships like MSC Claude Girardet (September 2024) and MSC Turkiye (April 2025) have arrived here. This journey of MSC Irina takes it to a new level.

Where will MSC Irina go after India?

The world's largest container ship MSC Irina will stop at Vizhinjam Port in Kerala for two days after reaching an Indian port for the first time. After a two-day halt, it will leave for Spain, but its arrival has started a new chapter in the maritime sector for India, especially Kerala.

MSC Irina Facts: Why is MSC Irina special?

World's largest container ship, 24,346 TEUs capacity

First arrival at Kerala's Vizhinjam Port

Led by Indian Captain Willy Antony

Docking with the help of 4 tugs - usually only 2 are needed

Crew not allowed to land yet Length: 399.99 m Width: 61.33 m

Deadweight capacity: 2,40,739 tonnes Year of construction: 2023

Next destination: Spain