Do you know which is the world’s biggest cargo ship?

The world’s biggest cargo ship, MSC Irina, has entered operation. It is the largest container ship in terms of TEU capacity (more than 24,300) and is one of several ships ordered by MSC.

MSC Irina is a colossal vessel that reigns supreme in the maritime world. It has earned the title of the biggest cargo ship globally. Its sheer size and capacity are a testament to modern engineering and the ever-growing demands of global trade.

Container ships are crucial in global trade, transporting goods and products across vast oceans and connecting markets worldwide. Among these giants of the sea is the MSC Irina, a behemoth vessel owned by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). In this blog post, we will delve into the details of MSC Irina and explore the fascinating world of container shipping.

MSC Irina was built in 2023 and entered service in the same year. The ship sails under the Liberian flag. It is the first of six ships to be built by the Jiangsu Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group in China. The ship can carry more than 24,300 standard 20-foot containers and has a stacking depth of 26. In addition, the ship will have a 3-4% reduction in carbon emissions compared to similar ships.

Construction on MSC Irina began in November 2021, and assembly work at the dock began in June of the following year. The first launch took place on August 10, and the ship went online on October 29. In February 2023, MSC Irina conducted sea trials, then went to Zhejiang Zhoushan Shipyard for final work, and was delivered in early March.

About MSC

MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) is a leading global container shipping company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It has 675 offices in 155 countries around the world. Its ships sail on more than 260 trade routes. Its fleet includes 730 ships with a capacity of approximately 4.6 million international standard container units (TEUs). Annual capacity is 23 million TEU.

MSC Irina: Largest Cargo Ship

The MSC Irina is a massive container ship with a carrying capacity of over 24,000 TEUs, making it one of the largest ships of its kind. This means that it can transport thousands of standard-sized shipping containers, facilitating the movement of goods between different ports and countries. The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and facilities to ensure efficient and safe operations at sea.

The ship is scheduled to sail on its maiden voyage from Qingdao to Busan and back to China before heading to Singapore, Italy, and Spain (via the Suez Canal). On the way back, you will stop at ports in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

• Hard pull: 240,000 dwt
• TEUs: 24,346
• Length: 399.9 m (1,312 ft)
• Beam: 61.3 m (201.1 ft)

Although its length and width are similar to those of many existing ships, it has the largest capacity of all container ships, over 150 TEUs ahead of the previous record holder, OOCL Spain.

Container Capacity: With a capacity of over 24,000 TEUs, MSC Irina can transport a staggering amount of cargo. This is equivalent to stacking nearly 24,000 standard 20-foot shipping containers on top of each other.

Dimensions: The ship’s dimensions are equally impressive. Its length stretches over 400 meters, approximately the length of four football fields. Its width is around 60 meters, providing ample space for the efficient stowage of containers.

Draft: The draft, or the depth of the ship submerged in water, is around 17 meters. This allows it to navigate deep-water ports and access major trade routes, connecting continents and economies.

Routes and Operations: 

MSC Irina operates on various global shipping routes, connecting major ports in Asia, Europe, North America, and other regions. The ship plays a crucial role in the supply chain, transporting a wide range of cargo, including consumer goods, electronics, machinery, and more. Its reliable service and impressive capacity make it a preferred choice for many shipping companies and businesses.

Also Read: Largest Shipping Company In The World 2024?

How was MSC Irina Built?

Hull Construction: 

The hull of MSC Irina is a masterpiece of engineering. Constructed with high-strength steel, it is designed to withstand the immense pressures and forces exerted during voyages. To ensure its integrity, the hull is reinforced with various structural elements, including longitudinal and transverse stiffeners.

Propulsion System: 

The ship is powered by a sophisticated propulsion system that consists of multiple diesel engines. These engines generate the necessary thrust to propel the massive vessel through the water. The engines are highly efficient and are designed to minimize fuel consumption and emissions.

Automation and Technology: 

MSC Irina incorporates advanced automation systems to improve efficiency and safety. These systems help in navigation, cargo handling, and engine control. Automation allows the ship to operate with a smaller crew, reducing costs and improving safety.

Environmental Impact: 

As concerns about environmental sustainability continue to grow, the shipping industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. MSC Irina, like many modern container ships, is equipped with eco-friendly technologies to minimize emissions and improve fuel efficiency. These include:

• Advanced propulsion systems: The ship is powered by fuel-efficient engines that reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
• Fuel-saving measures: MSC Irina incorporates various techniques to optimize fuel usage, such as hull design improvements and propeller efficiency enhancements.
• Waste management practices: The ship has onboard facilities for waste management, including recycling and disposal systems to minimize environmental impact.

Also read: Seawise Giant: World’s Biggest Ship

The Future of Container Shipping: 

As global trade expands, the demand for container shipping services is expected to rise. This means that vessels like MSC Irina will be even more critical in facilitating international trade and commerce. Shipping companies are constantly looking for ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and meet environmental regulations, ensuring that container ships remain a sustainable and reliable mode of transportation in the years to come.

Also read: Top 10 Container Shipping Companies

Conclusion: 

The MSC Irina is a testament to the impressive capabilities of modern container ships. With its vast carrying capacity, advanced technology, and global operations, it plays a vital role in connecting markets and driving global trade. As the shipping industry continues to innovate and adapt to changing demands, vessels like MSC Irina will remain at the forefront of international trade, ensuring the smooth flow of goods across the world’s oceans.