In a historic milestone for India’s maritime sector, Vizhinjam International Seaport, developed and operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zones Limited (APSEZ), welcomed MSC Turkiye, one of the world’s largest and most eco-friendly container vessels. This marks the vessel’s maiden call at any Indian port, cementing Vizhinjam’s reputation as a rising global transshipment hub. MSC Turkiye, operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), is a colossal Liberia-flagged ship measuring 399.9 metres in length, 61.3 metres in width, and 33.5 metres in depth. With a staggering carrying capacity of 24,346 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), it is now the largest container vessel ever to dock in India. The ship exemplifies cutting-edge marine engineering with a strong focus on fuel efficiency and sustainability.
Vizhinjam port’s strategic location just 10 nautical miles (approximately 19 km) from the east-west international shipping lane, gives it a unique advantage. With a natural depth of 20 metres, the port can handle ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) with minimal dredging, significantly reducing operational costs and environmental impact. This achievement follows the arrival of MSC Claude Girardet in September last year, which then set a national record with a 24,116 TEU capacity. MSC Turkiye has now surpassed that record, further strengthening Vizhinjam’s standing in international shipping.
India’s first Mega Transshipment Container Terminal, Vizhinjam is equipped with large-scale automation, advanced infrastructure, and fast vessel turnaround capabilities. Phase 1 of the port currently supports 1 million TEUs, with ambitious plans to expand capacity to 5.5 million TEUs by 2028. The Adani Group has a 40-year agreement with the Government of Kerala to develop and operate the port. Once fully operational, Vizhinjam is expected to handle up to 50% of India’s container transshipment, greatly reducing the country’s reliance on foreign ports like Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai. The successful docking of MSC Turkiye stands as a testament to APSEZ’s vision of establishing Vizhinjam as a world-class maritime gateway, boosting India’s role in global trade and logistics.
