World's biggest container vessel in Vizhinjam port

THE world's largest container ship, MSC Irina, is set to make its maiden call at the Vizhinjam International Seaport, with Captain Willy Antony, a native of Thrissur, at the helm.

- UNNIKRISHNAN S @ T'Puram

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.