logo
MSC IRINA docks at Vizhinjam: World's largest container ship gets water salute; major boost for India's new deep water port

MSC IRINA docks at Vizhinjam: World's largest container ship gets water salute; major boost for India's new deep water port

Time of India3 days ago

(Photo crredit: PTI)
NEW DELHI: The world's largest container ship by capacity, MSC IRINA, docked at Vizhinjam International Seaport on Monday morning. Its arrival marks a significant milestone for the newly inaugurated India's first deep water port, opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2.
The vessel arrived at Vizhinjam port at 8 am and was welcomed with a traditional water salute. The ship will remain docked until Tuesday, according to port authorities.
The massive MSC IRINA, with a capacity of 24,346 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), reflects the growing scale of global trade and India's rising role in international commerce, according to news agency PTI.
Measuring 399.9 metres in length and 61.3 metres in width, the ship is nearly four times longer than a standard FIFA football field, according to a port statement.
Sharing a post on X, Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani ports and SEZ Ltd, said, "Proud to welcome MSC Irina, the world's largest container ship with a capacity of 24,346 TEUs, to our Vizhinjam port."
"This marks the vessel's maiden visit to the South Asian shores, making it a milestone not just for Vizhinjam but for India's emergence as a key player in global transshipment. A bold vision now in motion," he added.
The MSC IRINA, specifically constructed for transporting large container volumes between Asia and Europe, plays a crucial role in optimising trade routes and logistics efficiency.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất
IC Markets
Đăng ký
Undo
Built with eco-friendly technology, the ship includes energy-saving systems that reduce carbon emissions by up to 4%, helping lower its environmental impact without compromising efficiency.
Its arrival at Vizhinjam International Seaport highlights the port's growing global significance and marks a step forward in promoting greener shipping practices, the release noted.
This inaugural visit to a South Asian port showcases Vizhinjam's ability to accommodate Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs).
The port has recently serviced other Icon-class vessels, including MSC Turkiye and MSC Michel Cappellini, strengthening its position in maritime commerce.
The MSC IRINA began operations in March 2023, with its first journey commencing in April 2023. The vessel can stack containers 26 tiers high, providing exceptional storage capacity. The MSC IRINA, now the world's largest container ship, is 150 TEUs larger than the previous record-holder, OOCL Spain.
Stay informed with the latest
business
news, updates on
bank holidays
and
public holidays
.
AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Jawed Ashraf writes: India and Europe can anchor a multipolar world
Jawed Ashraf writes: India and Europe can anchor a multipolar world

Indian Express

timean hour ago

  • Indian Express

Jawed Ashraf writes: India and Europe can anchor a multipolar world

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's second visit to Europe within a month reflects a deepening India-Europe engagement even as the two sides deal with volatile US policies, era-shaping geopolitical shifts, terrorism from Pakistan and escalating conflict in Europe. Highlights include Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to France to co-chair the AI Action Summit and the visit by the re-elected European Commission President, Ursula Von der Leyen, and the college of commissioners to India in February. The MEA-supported Raisina Dialogue also makes a debut this week in the strategic port city of Marseille. Europe faces extraordinary challenges. War has returned. Economic difficulties, concerns over security and immigration, and rising issues of identity and culture are reshaping politics. The European Union's (EU's) many internal stresses and faultlines have made managing the European project more complex, though Brexit has dissuaded even the most nationalist governments from abandoning the EU. The external challenges are greater. Europe must contend with US President Donald Trump's disdain for NATO and near dismantling of long-adrift transatlantic relations, the rupture in relations with Russia, and the geopolitical and economic strain in ties with China. Multilateralism, Europe's refuge for order and its instrument of international influence, is crumbling. Europe risks strategic irrelevance and a rising gap with the US and China in innovation and competitiveness. The world's most open major economy faces an upturned global trade regime. And, as it happens in continental landmasses, to Europe's east, the lines that define the political and cultural geography of what constitutes Europe are perennially contested. But the EU has shown remarkable cohesion and resilience in its response to Covid, the Ukraine war and Trump's onslaught. Its project of horizontal and vertical integration continues. Relations with the UK are improving. Europe is waking up to the need for independence in foreign and security policy, the pursuit of industrial and digital sovereignty, a resilient internal supply chain and a stronger defence industrial base. It has the intellectual, industrial and investment capacity for that. But Europe cannot do it by itself. It needs new patterns of alignment. Equally, global uncertainty has reinforced India's traditional proclivity for a diversified portfolio of partnerships. Engagement with Europe involves two levels. With the EU in its areas of exclusive and shared competences, there is a long tradition of summits, and now, expansion of strategic dialogues, including in trade, technology, security and foreign policy. With older and major member states, ties are strengthening and acquiring new dimensions. The Nordic region is the new frontier and attention has returned to the dynamic east. The EU is a leading and growing trade and investment partner for India. According to a Institut Montaigne study on the EU's ties in the Indo-Pacific, Eurostat data shows that between 2015 and 2022, EU27 FDI stock registered the strongest growth in India at 96 per cent, exceeding Taiwan's 93 per cent and China's 52 per cent. From France alone, the FDI stock grew a whopping 373 per cent. In trade, too, between 2015 and 2023, EU27 exports to India grew 47 per cent, behind 83 per cent to Taiwan and 54 per cent to China. EU imports from India grew by over 100 per cent, second behind Taiwan from the Indo-Pacific. Surveys indicate a trend toward diversification away from China, though less than that of US companies. The EU must conclude the EU-India trade and investment agreements quickly, starting with an early harvest, and also waive the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism for India in view of India's progress in green energy. These will accelerate IMEC, the great new strategic initiative that reprises an old India-Europe corridor, and will survive the current instability in the Middle East. It aims to be not just a trade route but a new global corridor of investment, innovation, enterprise and energy. India must invest more in Europe. India and Europe converge on the public character and purpose of digital technology and in preventing a global duopoly. As Modi said at the AI Action Summit, we can collaborate in innovation, application, regulation, governance, standards and serving public good globally. That also applies to digital public infrastructure. India can benefit from Europe's leadership in deeptech, digital manufacturing, enterprise technologies and key areas of the semiconductor chain. Indeed, science, technology and innovation should drive our partnership — to lead industries of the future and address global priorities, including diverse clean energy sources, climate resilience, health and food security, biodiversity and the sustainability of Earth and its oceans. This also requires a comprehensive mobility programme of higher ambition for students, scholars and scientists. Europe is a significant source of armaments for India. Europe, seeking to rearm itself, and India pursuing atmanirbharta, must prioritise collaboration and full transfer of technology in joint design, development and manufacturing of defence equipment. We have robust cooperation in the areas of maritime, underwater, space and cyber security, as also in counter-terrorism with many European partners. Beyond technical and intelligence cooperation, Europe, hit by Islamist terrorism, and sometimes with the provenance of Pakistan, needs to do more to penalise Pakistan for terrorism. Great powers believe they can bend the world to their will but often cause chaos. Middle powers need to leverage partnerships and institutions to resist and maximise their roles. India and the EU have a broader global agenda that rises beyond differences on Ukraine or Pakistan. India and a united, cohesive Europe, with an independent voice and capabilities, can build a stable multipolar world, anchored in international law, underpinned by the discipline of multilateralism and free from territorial ambitions. India and Europe approach challenges through coalitions, not unilateral initiatives or the use of asymmetric bilateral power. That calls for collaboration, not the EU's prescriptive approach on its norms. For the Global South, partnerships can protect our interests against mounting competition and also mitigate global fragmentation. In the Indo-Pacific region, while France is a key security partner for India, working with others and the EU, India can help countries avoid coercion by one hegemon or a forced choice between two major powers. Attention and time, imagination and ambition, and sensitivity to each other's concerns transform relationships. Europe and India need more of that despite other immediate preoccupations in Brussels, Delhi and European capitals. We must involve all stakeholders and also reshape media stereotypes and public perceptions. The author is a retired Indian ambassador

PM Modi 3.0: Can the government deliver on jobs and private investment?
PM Modi 3.0: Can the government deliver on jobs and private investment?

India Today

time2 hours ago

  • India Today

PM Modi 3.0: Can the government deliver on jobs and private investment?

As the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has completed 11 years in power, a key question looms over its economic legacy - has the Indian economy truly performed well under its watch? While supporters point to improved macroeconomic stability, critics often highlight the lack of progress in job creation and private investment. An analysis of key economic data provides a mixed but telling picture of the country's journey so far and the road of the most prominent indicators used to evaluate a government's economic record are GDP growth and inflation. During the UPA era (2004–2014), GDP growth averaged 6.8 percent. Under the Modi government, which took office in 2014, the average stands slightly lower at 6.2 percent. However, if the outlier years of the COVID-19 slump in 2020–21 and the subsequent rebound in 2021–22 are excluded, the adjusted average under Modi rises to 7.1 another major talking point - especially under the UPA government - has been a mixed story. During the UPA years, inflation averaged 5 percent. Under Modi, the number has been higher at 8.1 percent, although this increase is partly attributable to global volatility and changes in inflation benchmarks. Despite this, the Modi administration has received praise for maintaining relative stability in food prices, thanks to improved supply chains and quicker policy One factor that played a quiet but crucial role in controlling inflation has been the global crude oil price. When the Modi government came to power in June 2014, the Indian crude oil basket was priced at USD 107 per barrel. By June 2025, the price had dropped to US 67.38 per barrel. Despite the depreciation of the rupee over the years, the rupee cost per barrel is now 11 percent lower than it was 11 years ago. This favourable trend has significantly helped in managing inflation to leading economists, several macroeconomic indicators suggest that India's economic fundamentals remain strong. Inflation is within the Reserve Bank of India's comfort zone. Corporate and banking sector balance sheets are healthier compared to a decade ago. Fiscal data is transparent, the current account deficit is within manageable limits, and public debt remains low. India is expected to grow at 6.5 percent in FY26, although global uncertainty continues to pose two persistent concerns threaten to overshadow these achievements - sluggish private sector investment and a lack of formal job creation. These issues gained significant traction in recent state elections and were a major talking point during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. With rising automation, AI, and tech adoption, employment opportunities - particularly in the formal sector - are becoming scarcer. The government is increasingly looking to the private sector to generate jobs, but private players have indicated they need more policy of the bottleneck lies in unfinished reforms. Two major reform areas - land acquisition and labor codes - remain mired in political resistance. The Modi government's initial attempt at land reform in 2014 was rolled back after widespread protests. Although labor codes have been passed by Parliament, their implementation remains stalled as several states have delayed India moves to sign more free trade agreements, these structural reforms become more pressing to ensure competitiveness and sustained economic roadblocks don't end there. Plans for privatization and asset monetisation - once touted as critical to funding infrastructure and reducing the fiscal burden - have been put on hold. With coalition politics making a comeback in Modi's third term, such strategic initiatives may now require more political negotiation. However, with a fresh mandate and regained political capital, the government may accelerate action in the coming challenges continue to emerge. The World Bank recently revised India's GDP forecast for FY25 down to 6.3 percent from an earlier estimate of 6.7 percent, attributing the cut to weaker global demand and a slowdown in investment growth. Nevertheless, India is still expected to be the fastest-growing major economy in the world. The World Bank also highlighted positive trends such as contained inflation, improving fiscal indicators, and a slow but steady decline in public debt. It recommended lowering tariffs and strengthening fiscal discipline to stimulate global economic Modi 3.0 begins, the economic path forward is lined with both opportunities and challenges. While India's macroeconomic foundation appears resilient, the missing piece - jobs and private investment - will be the key to sustaining long-term growth and addressing rising voter Watch

Modi govt secured borders, strengthened economy: Minister Kamlesh Paswan
Modi govt secured borders, strengthened economy: Minister Kamlesh Paswan

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

Modi govt secured borders, strengthened economy: Minister Kamlesh Paswan

1 2 Prayagraj: Union minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan while addressing media persons in city on Wednesday recounted the achievements of the Modi govt . He said, "India has set on a new journey of development of service, good governance, and poor welfare in the Amrit Kaal of developed India. " He further said that in the last 11 years, Modi govt secured the borders, strengthened the economy and took technology to the masses. Through Operation Sindoor, PM Narendra Modi gave a clear message to the entire world, including Pakistan, that any attack on Indian soil will be considered an act of war. With indigenous technologies like the S-400 missile defence system, Brahmos, Akash missile, INS Vikrant, Tejas, and Prachand attack helicopter, India is now not only emerging as a self-reliant defence power but is also exporting defence equipment. Currently, India's defence exports have increased 34 times to reach Rs 23,622 crores. He said, "Modi govt during crisis has safely evacuated its citizens from every corner of the world, proving that the govt is committed to the safety of Indians not only within the borders but all over the world. Through Operation Ganga during the Russia-Ukraine war, Operation Devi Shakti during the Taliban occupation of Afghanistan, and Vande Bharat Mission during Covid, the Modi govt brought crores of Indians safely from abroad. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo At one time, 96 districts of the country were in the grip of Naxalism, but due to the decisive policy of the Modi govt, stringent action of the security forces, and the strategy of development, the Naxal-affected districts have been reduced to a few. Naxal incidents have reduced by 70%." Currently, India has moved towards becoming the 4th largest economy in the world, and around 49% of global digital transactions take place in India itself. The govt's technology-based e-governance system has given a new definition to transparency, timeliness, and accountability. Global institutions like IMF and UNDP have praised the efforts of the Modi govt towards poverty alleviation in the country, as a result of which about 25 crore people have come out of the PM Jan Dhan Yojana, the general public of the country has been connected to the banking system by opening 55.22 crore bank accounts, he added. Moreover, the success of Chandrayaan-3 in 2024 and now the preparation of Gaganyaan is proof that Modi's new India is moving ahead not only on earth but also in space. Apart from connecting 99% of villages with road connectivity, the railway budget has also been increased 9 times. Moreover, the number of airports doubled in the Modi govt, he further said. Paswan also said that the abolition of Article 370 from J&K, the world-class Kashi Vishwanath corridor, Mahakal project and Ram temple are no longer dreams but realities. The Nari Shakti Vandan Act has given 33% reservation to women in Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas. Over 10 crore women joined 90 lakh self-help groups, and a target of making 3 crore 'Lakhpati Didi' was set. Moreover, women got permanent commission in the army. India has the highest number of women pilots. The number of AIIMS has increased to 23, with 8 new IIMs, 7 new IITs, and 490 new universities established. The govt's Startup India scheme has made India the third largest startup ecosystem in the world. 40.71 crore health insurance cards were issued under Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Yojana.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store