VIZHINJAM: The MSC Claude Girardet, the world's fourth-largest container ship, is set to berth at the international port of Vizhinjam. This marks a significant milestone as it becomes the largest container ship to dock in South Asia, excluding India. Previously, the MSC Anna held the record as the largest container ship to ever reach Indian shores.

Arriving from Tanjung Pelepas in Malaysia, the MSC Claude Girardet carried a staggering 19,462 containers. After its operations in Vizhinjam, it will head to Portugal. The port's ability to accommodate such a massive vessel, despite being in the trial phase before its official commissioning, is a testament to its capacity and potential.

The vessel, registered in Liberia, is operated by the Swiss Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). With a length of 399 meters and a width of 61.5 meters, the MSC Claude Girardet can hold up to 24,116 containers. It was escorted to the berth by three dolphin tugs, and the mooring operations were efficiently handled by employees from Thiruvananthapuram Water Line and Logistics Company.

Indian captain Rajendra Singh leads the 24-member crew, which includes four Malayalis: Yashwant from Kannur, Nandakumar from Malappuram, and George Antony and Pratish Narayana Paniker from Thrissur. The remaining crew members hail from various other Indian states, along with two international crew members from Ukraine and Poland.

The arrival of MSC Claude Girardet is seen as a crucial step toward the development of Vizhinjam Port, which is poised to become India's largest mother port, capable of handling massive container ships. The Chief Minister's Office has highlighted this event as a pivotal moment in Kerala's port infrastructure development.