MSC shatters records with delivery of 24,346 TEU MSC Irina

The world’s largest container shipping company MSC is delivering on its promise to inject massive vessel capacity into its fleet this year.

Namely, the Swiss-based container shipping giant has welcomed into the fleet another giant 24,000 TEU vessel, MSC Irina, which was built by Jiangsu Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding Co.

With a massive 24,346 TEUs and measuring 399.99 meters in length and 61.3 meters in beam, the vessel is a true mammoth of the seas.

The ship incorporates several innovative energy-saving features, including a small bulbous bow, large-diameter propellers, and energy-saving ducts. It is also equipped with an air lubrication system that reduces drag on the hull and shaft generators that generate additional power.

According to shipyard officials, these technologies could result in a 3-4 percent reduction in energy consumption, thereby cutting CO2 emissions and overall meeting EEDI III.

The delivery of MSC Irina coincides with the delivery of 24,116 TEU MSC Tessa, as both vessels were delivered on March 9, according to China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).

MSC Irina was scheduled to start its maiden voyage on the afternoon of March 11. Meanwhile, MSC Tessa is already underway in the East China Sea, heading for the Port of Ningbo.

Both boxships were ordered by China’s Bank of Communications Financial Leasing (Bocomm Leasing) for MSC in 2020 as part of a four-vessel deal worth an estimated $600 million.

Swiss-based container shipping giant MSC has the largest orderbook by far in the industry with over 134 containerships on order. The company has 14 megamax ships and 22 neo-panamax ships on order scheduled for delivery this year, according to Alphaliner.

The company has been investing significantly in its fleet renewal, and one of the reasons behind the buildup of fleet capacity has been the company’s strategy to operate as a stand-alone carrier in the major deep-sea trades once the 2M Alliance ends in 2025.