Latest news with #WillyAntony
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Vizhinjam port receives the world's largest ship
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Vizhinjam International Seaport made maritime history on Monday as it welcomed the MSC Irina, the world's largest container ship by capacity. Commanded by Willy Antony, a native of Thrissur, the colossal vessel is nearly four times the length of a FIFA-standard football field. This marks the MSC Irina's first-ever stop at a South Asian port, underscoring Vizhinjam's growing capability to handle Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs). The ship arrived at the port's outer anchorage on June 3. Purpose-built to transport massive container loads between Asia and Europe, the MSC Irina measures 399.9 metres in length and 61.3 metres in width. It boasts an extraordinary carrying capacity of 24,346 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), operating under the Liberian flag. The vessel can stack containers up to 26 tiers high and features energy-efficient technologies designed to reduce carbon emissions by up to 4%.
The Hindu
5 days 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.
United News of India
6 days ago
- Business
- United News of India
MSC Irina arrives at Vizhinjam Port
Thiruvananthapuram, June 4 (UNI) MSC Irina, one of the world's largest container vessels, has reached India's southern gateway 'Vizhinjam International Seaport.' With a capacity of 24,000+ TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit, a standard measurement used in the shipping industry), this Ultra Large Vessel (ULV) reaffirms Vizhinjam's readiness to handle the giants of global trade, sources said on Wednesday. Almost six other vessels are in queue to berth before MSC Irina. Captain of the vessel, Willy Antony (47) hails from Puranattukara in Kerala's Thrissur. UNI DS PRS
New Indian Express
7 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.
