Vizhinjam Seaport Welcomes India’s Largest Container Ship MSC Kayley

20 Sep 2024 CW Team

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.

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.

Infrastructure Urban

10 Mar 2026

ABB to Invest Rs 6.25 Billion to Expand India Manufacturing

ABB recently announced plans to invest approximately Rs 6.25 billion ($75 million) in India during 2026 to expand its manufacturing footprint and research and development capabilities. The investment follows more than $35 million spent in 2025 and reflects the company’s continued focus on strengthening its ‘local-for-local’ strategy in the country.The investment will support ABB’s Electrification, Motion and Automation businesses and expand manufacturing capacity for infrastructure sectors such as renewable energy, metro rail, data centres and industrial applications. Approximately 300..

Equipment

10 Mar 2026

Six WOLFF Cranes Handle 60,000 m³ Concrete for German Hospital

Six WOLFF tower cranes are playing a key role in constructing a new hospital complex in Memmingen, Germany, supporting large-scale material handling for the project. The facility is being built on a 7.7-hectare site and will feature six floors, around 480 beds and a gross floor area exceeding 75,000 sq m.Building shell works began recently in February 2025. One WOLFF 6531.12 Cross crane supported early site preparation before being dismantled in autumn 2025, while five remaining cranes continue operations. Over an average deployment period of 16 months, the cranes are expected to move approxim..

Equipment

10 Mar 2026

REC Funds Rs 115.6 Million CSR Support for Bihar Eye Hospital

REC recently committed Rs 115.6 million under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme for the procurement of clinical and non-clinical equipment at Sankara Eye Hospital in Saharsa, Bihar. The initiative aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to specialised eye care services in the region.A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was recently signed between Pradeep Fellows, Executive Director (CSR), REC Limited, and Wg Cdr V. Shankar (Retd), Trustee and Executive Director of Sankara Eye Hospital, at the REC office in the SCOPE Complex, New Delhi.The support is expecte..