Historic Arrival: MSC Claude Girardet Docks at Vizhinjam Seaport

MSC Claude Girardet, the largest cargo ship ever to dock in India, has arrived at Vizhinjam International Seaport. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan highlighted this as a significant milestone for the state in global cargo shipping. The ship will return to Malaysia after container handling.

MSC Claude Girardet, the largest cargo ship ever to have docked in India, made its historic arrival at the Vizhinjam International Seaport on Friday.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan remarked that the berthing of this gigantic vessel demonstrates the state's readiness to emerge as a significant player in global cargo shipping.

Having sailed from Malaysia, the ship will head back after completing container handling at the Vizhinjam seaport.

In a post on X, Vijayan stated, ''MSC Claude Girardet, the largest cargo ship ever to be berthed in India, has anchored at @PortOfVizhinjam, marking a pivotal moment in Kerala's growth. With a capacity of 24,116 containers, this giant vessel showcases our readiness to become a key player in global cargo shipping.''

The vessel measures 399.99 meters in length, 61.5 meters in width, and 16.6 meters in depth.

The Chief Minister also noted that it was the largest ship to have ever arrived in South Asia.

The arrival of this massive cargo vessel underscores that the mother port of Vizhinjam is more than capable of handling international cargo transportation.

Significantly, the Vizhinjam international seaport is strategically located close to the international shipping route.

(With inputs from agencies.)