Eco-Friendly Giant MSC Turkiye Sets Record at Vizhinjam Port
A massive shift just docked on India’s shores. The MSC Turkiye, an ultra-large container vessel hailed for its eco-friendly features and staggering carrying capacity, berthed at Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala, operated by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd., on April 9, 2025. This isn’t your average cargo ship – its arrival signals a bold new era for Indian ports, finally opening the doors to ships once seen exclusively at global hotspots like Singapore or Rotterdam.
This ship makes a striking impression. Stretching almost four football fields at 399.9 meters in length and standing 33.5 meters deep, MSC Turkiye is built to move the world – literally. With a width of 61.3 meters and the ability to haul 24,346 TEUs (that's twenty-foot equivalent containers), it sits atop the leaderboard for container ships, both in terms of size and eco-conscious sailing.
Vizhinjam Steps Into the Big League of Shipping
The MSC Turkiye’s visit isn’t a routine stop for cargo. This is the first time any Indian port has received an ultra-large container vessel at this scale. A milestone like this instantly upgrades Vizhinjam’s profile, transforming it from a rising port development to a serious transshipment hub in the global supply chain. Ports like these act as interchange stations, where massive ships offload containers for smaller vessels to transport to their regional destinations. For Indian exporters and importers, this slashes both shipping times and costs.
Kerala's geography plays a part too. Vizhinjam sits close to the major international east-west shipping lane, meaning big vessels like MSC Turkiye can dock without taking lengthy detours. Previously, giant ships would bypass Indian shores, favoring established hubs in Sri Lanka or the Middle East. Now, with infrastructure built to accommodate these floating giants, more traffic could start flowing directly through Indian waters.
What makes this ship stand out isn't just size. The MSC Turkiye was designed with sustainability in mind, using the latest in fuel efficiency and cleaner propulsion systems. With the world’s shipping industry under pressure to curb emissions, ports that can handle such eco-friendly giants are set to attract bigger lines looking to improve their climate credentials.
The operation was handled by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), one of the titans of global container logistics. The ship’s arrival at Vizhinjam is part of its journey to Lome, Togo, with an expected docking there at the end of April. It’s clear that this event is more than just a photo opportunity – it’s a signal that India intends to become a pivotal destination in international trade, not just a stopover.
- First ultra-large container ship ever to dock at an Indian port.
- Vizhinjam demonstrated readiness for future mega shipping trends.
- Potential for reduced freight costs and faster connections for Indian exporters.
- MSC Turkiye sets a benchmark for sustainable shipping entering and leaving India’s shores.
As mega-ships get even bigger and emissions come under scrutiny, ports that can handle new shipping realities will get ahead. With the arrival of MSC Turkiye, Vizhinjam just placed India firmly on that map.