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The Hindu
2 hours ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Keralite at the helm of the world's biggest container ship
As the world's largest container vessel, MSC Irina, operated by the Swiss-based container shipping giant Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), called at the Vizhinjam International Seaport, it was a proud moment for Keralite Willy Antony, its captain. The Thrissur native has been into seafaring since childhood. His father, the late Palokkaran Antony, was a marine surveyor based in Wellington Island, Kochi. From cadet to captain of the biggest vessel in the world, Mr. Antony has had a 29-year-long career, with 19 years exclusively in the MSC. Currently, he is helming the lead ship of the MSC Irina class, a series of six identical ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs). On the eve of berthing the vessel at Vizhinjam, he told The Hindu it that it was sheer passion and dedication that helped him rise through the ranks. He left home to become a seafarer after his higher secondary education and did a diploma in nautical science before becoming a cadet in 1996. Vessels to get bigger Down the years, he has manoeuvred all types of vessels. He has been manning the ULCVs right from the time they were introduced in the MSC fleet. Mr. Antony said the size and capacity of container ships would further increase as huge vessels can transport more cargo in a single voyage. Bigger vessels increase operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness too as carbon emissions of such vessels are relatively low when compared to the size of the cargo they transport. He said he had sailed through territories lorded over by pirates many times. 'Luckily, I have not encountered any untoward incidents.' Mr. Antony said that Vizhinjam port offered huge possibilities for an economic leap for the country. 'As a seafarer, I would say the project should have materialised much earlier. Young people who wish to take up sailing should first learn thoroughly about life at sea and the hardships involved in the life of a sailor. They should work hard to achieve their goals and should be passionate about this job. Only then will life at sea be beautiful,' he said. His wife Hilda and son Benhail, a Class IX student, were accompanying him on his voyage to Vizhinjam. They disembarked in Singapore a few days earlier, as his son had to resume his classes from June 2.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Keralite at helm, world's largest container vessel all set for Vizhinjam date
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The world's largest container ship, MSC Irina, is set to make its maiden call at the Vizhinjam port, with Captain Willy Antony, a native of Thrissur, at the helm. The vessel has reached the outer anchorage, drawing excitement from the public as it is the first time the ship is calling at a port in South India. Captain Willy, 47, hailing from Puranattukara, is thrilled to bring the mammoth vessel equivalent in length to four football fields and capable of carrying cargo stacked as high as a 22-storey building — to his home state. 'It's a proud moment for me to command a ship of this scale,' said Captain Willy. 'This vessel and Vizhinjam are both dear to me. Bringing the ship to my own land doubles the joy,' he said. However, the vessel which has a capacity of 24,346 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) will have to wait for its turn to berth at the busy port as there are seven vessels already lined up for docking. Originally scheduled to dock on June 5, berthing may be delayed to June 7 or 8, said port sources. Given its enormous size, the vessel owned by Mediterranean Shipping Company and flying the Liberian flag will require four tugs to assist in mooring, compared to the usual two. An estimated 4,000 containers will be handled during its stay at Vizhinjam. A seasoned mariner with 29 years of experience and visits to 120 countries under his belt, Captain Willy Antony has been commanding MSC Irina since its commissioning in March 2023. The vessel's voyage included stops in Singapore, China, and South Korea before returning to Singapore. His wife, Hilda, and son, Benhail, accompanied him on the initial leg of the journey and disembarked in Singapore. 'Berthing is going to be challenging considering the monsoon condition. But the port has experienced people, including two of my former colleagues, to handle it,' he said. 'Vizhinjam has a georgaphical advantage for its natural depth,' Willy said. Despite the excitement of nearing home, Captain Willy expressed disappointment that he and his crew will not be able to step ashore.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
MSC Irina, billed as largest ship in the world, calls at Vizhinjam
MSC Irina, known as the biggest container vessel in the world operated by a Swiss-based container shipping giant, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), reached the outer anchorage of the Vizhinjam International Seaport on Tuesday evening. This is the first time MSC Irina, the lead ship of the MSC Irina-class, a series of six identical ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs), is sailing into the coast of a south Asian port. Berthing of the ship is expected on Saturday or Sunday, as another six more vessels are in the queue to berth at the port before Irina. The Irina-class ships have a capacity of 24,346 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units). The vessel could carry more than 24,300 standard 20-foot shipping containers stacked up to 22 decks. MSC Irina, amassive ship measuring 399.99 m in length and 61.3 m in beam, is the third ship in the Irina-class to call at the port. Earlier, MSC Türkiye and MSC Michel Cappellini, belonging to the same class, had called at the port here. The MSC Irina is expected to discharge around 4,000 container movements here. 2.20 lakh TEUs The port has handled a total of around 7.2 lakhs TEUs containers after the trial run and subsequent operations began at the port. In the current financial year, the port has managed to handle around 2.20 lakh TEUs containers, according to the port authorities.
Business Insider
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Record-breaking megaships arrive West Africa as global shipping firm expands trade routes
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has made maritime history by becoming the first shipping line to deploy 24,000 TEU megaships on routes serving West Africa, marking a significant milestone in the region's integration into global trade networks. MSC has set a milestone by deploying 24,000 TEU megaships on West African routes. The vessels Diletta and Türkiye connect Asia with major West African ports like Lomé and Abidjan. Industry analysts expect increased trade volumes and infrastructure enhancements in the region. According to Container News, MSC has introduced the vessels Diletta and Türkiye on its Africa Express service, connecting major Asian export hubs, including China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, to key West African ports such as Lomé (Togo), Tema (Ghana), Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire), and Douala (Cameroon). The MSC Diletta is a maritime giant, measuring 400 meters long and 61 meters wide, with a capacity of 23,964 TEUs. The MSC Turkiye is similarly massive at nearly 400 meters long and 61.3 meters wide, able to carry 24,346 TEUs, making it one of the largest container ships ever built. MSC Diletta made history with its April 23 maiden call at Lomé's port, setting a new benchmark as one of the largest container ships to ever dock in West Africa. The vessel has since visited Abidjan, further showcasing the region's growing ability to accommodate mega-vessels. The shipping company described the move as a strategic investment in Africa's trade future, going beyond a mere operational upgrade. " This deployment reflects our long-term commitment to the continent," the company stated, highlighting its goals to enhance trade capacity, strengthen regional connectivity, and drive economic growth and community development. Two factors shape MSC's strategy Growing Asia-West Africa Trade: Surging bilateral trade volumes prompted MSC to introduce ultra-large vessels, enhancing efficiency and sustainability in meeting rising demand. Supporting Africa's Growth: By upgrading infrastructure and logistics, MSC aims to play a pivotal role in the region's economic development, underscoring its strategic commitment. As 24,000 TEU vessels become a regular feature along the West African coast, industry analysts forecast far-reaching impacts on regional economies, including increased trade volumes, job creation, and port upgrades.
Fibre2Fashion
29-05-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Europe's ports face delays amid labour shortages, strikes
Port congestion is intensifying across major global trade routes, with Northern Europe's key hubs—including Antwerp, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Bremerhaven—facing escalating backlogs and severe inland transport disruptions, according to Drewry. Bremerhaven has been particularly affected due to labour shortages during the recent holiday period, while low water levels on the Rhine have curtailed barge capacity out of Antwerp and Rotterdam, compounding logistical strain. Port congestion is worsening across key hubs in Northern Europe and major global ports like Shenzhen, Los Angeles, and New York, driven by labour shortages, strikes, and inland transport issues. Berth waiting times and logistics costs are rising sharply. Carriers are imposing surcharges, while spot rates surge amid an early peak season influenced by USâ€'China tariff uncertainty. At the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, operations were further strained by a nationwide strike on May 20, which temporarily disrupted vessel traffic. Kallo and Boudewijn Locks were affected, with Boudewijn Lock later restored to full operation by the evening. Although the impact was short-lived, it added pressure to already congested conditions across the region, maritime research and consulting firm Drewry said in its Logistics Executive Briefing. Berth waiting times reflect the severity of the congestion. At Antwerp, average waiting time rose from 32 hours in Week 13 to 44 hours in Week 20—a 37 per cent increase. Hamburg witnessed a 49 per cent jump from 34 to 50 hours, while Bremerhaven saw a 77 per cent surge over the same period. These port delays are having a cascading effect across the supply chain. Supply chain reliability is falling, logistics costs are climbing, and inland transport is becoming increasingly complex. The congestion is not confined to Europe alone. Similar trends have emerged in Shenzhen, Los Angeles, and New York, where the number of containerships waiting to berth has steadily increased since Week 17. At peak levels, up to 50 ships were waiting in Shenzhen, 42 in Los Angeles, and 14 in New York. Extended port delays are stretching transit times, disrupting inventory planning, and forcing shippers to carry surplus stock. Carriers are responding with rerouting strategies and congestion surcharges. Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), for example, is set to implement a congestion surcharge from June 1 on all shipments from Northern Europe to the Far East, further elevating freight costs, added the report. The strain is compounded by a potential early peak season in Transpacific eastbound trade, driven by a temporary 90-day pause in US—China tariffs, which expires on August 14. As a result, container spot rates have surged 27 per cent since early May. Rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles climbed from $2,590 on May 1 to $3,197 by May 22, 2025, according to Drewry's World Container Index (WCI). Similarly, rates to New York rose from $3,500 to $4,527 in the same period. General Rate Increases (GRIs) were successfully implemented on May 15, 2025, with additional GRIs and Peak Season Surcharges (PSSs) scheduled for June 1, 2025. The worsening congestion underscores the vulnerability of container shipping to disruption and reinforces the urgent need for resilient, adaptive supply chain strategies. In such a volatile landscape, access to real-time market insights—covering key indicators such as port congestion, blank sailings, and capacity—is critical for cargo owners seeking to make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and navigate continued uncertainty effectively, said Drewry. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
