MSC Türkiye to Make Historic Call at Vizhinjam Port
Thiruvananthapuram, April 4, 2025 — The Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala is preparing to welcome a maritime giant next week, as MSC Türkiye, one of the world’s largest and most environmentally efficient container ships, is scheduled to dock at the port for the first time. This momentous event marks the vessel’s maiden journey into South Asian waters and is being hailed as a significant milestone in India’s maritime history.
Vizhinjam port authorities confirmed that the vessel is expected to arrive early next week, likely on Monday or Tuesday, depending on sea and weather conditions. The visit of MSC Türkiye is seen as a major boost to the port’s growing reputation as a global transhipment hub and highlights its potential to attract ultra-large container vessels from around the world.
Operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), MSC Türkiye is a modern engineering marvel. Measuring 399.9 meters in length, 61.3 meters in width, and 33.5 meters in depth, it is capable of carrying an astonishing 24,346 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) — making it one of the largest container ships ever built.
Beyond its massive size, what truly sets MSC Türkiye apart is its environmentally conscious design. The vessel has been constructed with a focus on fuel efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. According to maritime experts, it boasts the lowest carbon footprint per container carried, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions per ton of cargo transported. Sailing under the flag of Liberia, the ship symbolizes the future of sustainable global shipping.
This is not the first time Vizhinjam International Seaport has played host to a maritime behemoth. In September 2024, the MSC Claude Girardet, another ultra-large container vessel from MSC, docked at the port. At the time, it was the largest container vessel ever to visit India, with a length of 399.99 meters, a width of 61.5 meters, and a capacity of 24,116 TEUs. The successful handling of that vessel established Vizhinjam’s credentials as a port capable of managing the biggest ships in the world.
In the short span since then, Vizhinjam Port has continued to set new records, proving its capability even before its formal commissioning. Throughout its trial operations and the first four months of commercial activity, the port managed the berthing of 240 vessels and handled a remarkable 4.92 lakh TEUs.
Most recently, in March 2025, the port recorded another major achievement by processing over 1.08 lakh TEUs in a single month, spread across 51 ships — a feat that places it firmly among the top-performing ports in India in terms of efficiency and capacity.
While the port has already been operational, the formal commissioning of Vizhinjam International Seaport is eagerly awaited and is expected to be carried out soon. According to officials in the Kerala State Government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the first phase of the port once his schedule allows.
In preparation for long-term growth, the port has also secured environmental clearance from the Union Environment Ministry for the development of its second and third phases. These approvals will enable Vizhinjam to expand its infrastructure and accommodate even more vessels and cargo in the future.
A Strategic InvestmentDeveloped at an estimated cost of ₹8,867 crore, Vizhinjam International Seaport is a result of a public-private partnership between the Kerala Government and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ). The port’s strategic location along the international shipping route between the Suez Canal and the Malacca Straits makes it ideal for transhipment activities, reducing reliance on foreign ports like Colombo and Singapore.
With deep draft, modern berths, and the capability to host the world’s largest container ships, Vizhinjam is poised to become a game-changer for Indian maritime logistics. The arrival of MSC Türkiye is not only a validation of the port’s world-class infrastructure but also a sign of the growing confidence that global shipping companies are placing in India’s port capabilities.
The arrival of MSC Türkiye is expected to further enhance Vizhinjam’s profile on the global maritime map and act as a catalyst for increased trade and logistics activity in the region. Industry experts believe that the port’s evolution will lead to reduced logistics costs, faster cargo turnaround, and increased foreign exchange savings for the country.
As India aims to become a global hub for logistics and trade, ports like Vizhinjam will play a crucial role in achieving that vision. The giant vessel making its South Asian debut here is more than just a headline — it represents the dawn of a new era in India’s maritime journey.
