MSC Adds Vizhinjam to African Express Service, Strengthening India’s Maritime Connectivity

Thiruvananthapuram: Vizhinjam International Seaport has been included in the African Express Service operated by the Geneva-based Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). This follows its recent addition to MSC’s Jade Service in March, which connects Asia to Europe. With the arrival of vessels now underway, Vizhinjam is steadily emerging as a key node in global trade routes, linking India directly with Africa and Europe.
The African Express Service, launched by MSC in 2019, aims to provide quicker transit and higher reliability for cargo transportation from China to West African countries, covering regions such as the Far East, Middle East, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Ghana. With Vizhinjam now part of this network, goods from India to Africa can be routed directly through this port, reducing dependency on transshipment hubs like Colombo. The service handles an average of 4,000 TEU containers, and a fixed schedule for the service is expected to be announced soon.
The port recently welcomed MSC Michel Cappellini, the second ship in MSC’s Irene class—one of the world’s largest container ship series. Measuring 399.9 meters in length and 61.3 meters in width, the vessel boasts a capacity of 24,346 TEUs. Last month, MSC Turkey, another vessel from the same class, also docked at Vizhinjam.

Captain Milton Jacob, a native of Thrissur and the commanding officer of MSC Michel Cappellini, praised the port's infrastructure and operational efficiency. "Docking at Vizhinjam port was both easy and safe," he remarked, highlighting the port's advanced cargo-handling capabilities and the professionalism of its authorities. He expressed pride in reaching Vizhinjam soon after its commissioning. The vessel departed for Ghana on Tuesday night.
The Jade Service currently moves an average of 5,000 TEU containers from Vizhinjam, with occasional spikes to 10,000 TEUs in some weeks. Ships under this service arrive at Vizhinjam mostly on Wednesdays and Thursdays. With the commissioning of Phase I of the port, this capacity is expected to rise. So far, 302 ships have arrived at Vizhinjam, handling a total of 6,32,000 TEU containers.
Vizhinjam's strategic location, approximately 11 nautical miles from the busy Suez to Singapore/Far East route, offers a natural depth of 24 meters, allowing it to accommodate Ultra Large Container Ships (ULCS) with capacities exceeding 24,000 TEUs. The port's advanced infrastructure, including automated cranes and efficient cargo-handling systems, ensures quick turnaround times, making it an attractive destination for global shipping lines.