Even before its official commissioning, Vizhinjam International Seaport made a historic mark by welcoming the largest container ship ever to dock at an Indian port. The MSC Kayley, a massive vessel sailing under the Liberian flag, arrived at the port on September 10, signifying a significant achievement for the seaport’s deep-water capabilities.
With a draught of 16.5 metres, the MSC Kayley recorded one of the deepest draughts ever for a ship at an Indian port. This monumental event is regarded as a critical test of Vizhinjam’s natural depth advantage, which boasts a channel depth of up to 20 metres in certain areas without extensive dredging.
Port authorities indicated that the draught of 16.5 metres achieved by the MSC Kayley is the second-highest for any vessel docking at an Indian port. The only ship to exceed this depth was another vessel from Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), which docked at Mundra Port in Gujarat with a draught of 17 metres.
Sreekumar K Nair, the CEO of Vizhinjam International Seaport (VISL), remarked that this is indeed a record. He noted that, to his knowledge, no other ship has docked at an Indian port with such a draught, confirming the port’s unique capacity to accommodate ultra-large container vessels.
The MSC Kayley smoothly sailed into Vizhinjam and berthed around 4 PM after arriving from Singapore. Measuring 366 metres in length and 51 metres in width, the ship was constructed in 2023, adding to its reputation as a modern giant of the seas.
Located about 14 kilometres from Kerala’s capital, Thiruvananthapuram, Vizhinjam boasts a natural depth of over 18 meters and is situated just 10 nautical miles (18 km) from the international shipping route connecting West Asia, Africa, and Europe to the far eastern regions of the world.
The arrival of the MSC Kayley highlights the growing significance of Vizhinjam as a major global transshipment hub. The port’s deep draft and proximity to major international shipping routes make it an attractive destination for Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs), which can carry over 20,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) and are increasingly utilized by global shipping lines to reduce costs and enhance efficiency.
