India’s maritime sector marked a historic milestone as MSC Turkiye, one of the world’s largest and most eco-friendly container ships, made its maiden call at the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala. Developed and operated by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (APSEZ), the arrival of this Ultra Large Container Vessel (ULCV) not only breaks previous national records but also solidifies Vizhinjam’s status as a premier global transshipment hub.

A New National Record in the Making

Measuring an astonishing 399.9 metres in length, 61.3 metres in width, and 33.5 metres in depth, MSC Turkiye is a maritime marvel. With a carrying capacity of 24,346 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), it is officially the largest container vessel to ever dock at an Indian port. This surpasses the previous record set in September 2023, when MSC Claude Girardet, another ULCV from the MSC fleet with a capacity of 24,116 TEUs, called at the same port.

Why Vizhinjam Port?

Strategically located just 10 nautical miles (19 km) from the vital east-west international shipping route, Vizhinjam International Seaport is uniquely positioned to serve as a gateway for global trade. Its natural depth of 20 metres allows even the largest cargo ships to dock with minimal dredging, offering a significant operational advantage.

The port, India’s first Mega Transshipment Container Terminal, is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced automation, and efficient vessel turnaround capabilities. These features make Vizhinjam not only capable of handling ULCVs but also an ideal node for boosting India’s cargo movement and trade efficiency.

Vision for the Future

Currently, Phase 1 of Vizhinjam port has the capacity to handle 1 million TEUs, with an ambitious plan to scale up to 5.5 million TEUs by 2028. This expansion is expected to significantly reduce India’s reliance on transshipment through foreign ports like Dubai, Colombo, and Singapore, potentially managing up to 50% of the country’s container transshipment volume in the future.

The Adani Group has secured a 40-year agreement with the Government of Kerala for the development and operation of the port. This long-term partnership ensures consistent investment in infrastructure, innovation, and expansion.

A New Era for Indian Maritime Trade

The docking of MSC Turkiye at Vizhinjam isn’t just a record-breaking event—it’s a powerful endorsement of India’s growing stature in the global shipping industry. It validates APSEZ’s vision of turning Vizhinjam into a world-class maritime gateway, capable of driving economic growth, generating employment, and enhancing India’s competitiveness in global logistics.

As India continues to invest in its port infrastructure and optimize its coastal capabilities, landmark events like this not only showcase our maritime potential but also pave the way for future dominance in international shipping and trade.