DP World Cochin handles largest-ever container vessel MSC MARA

KOCHI : DP World has handled its largest-ever container vessel, MSC MARA at the International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT).

With a length of 364 metres, a width of 51 metres and a capacity of 15,934 TEUs, the MSC MARA is one of the largest container vessels to dock at an Indian port, and the largest to berth at ICTT Cochin which is India’s first transhipment terminal.

This marks the highest throughput ever achieved on the MSC MARA at ICTT. DP World’s ICTT Cochin also achieved the handling of over 7 million TEUs from its inception.  In December 2023, ICTT commissioned two state-of-the-art Ship-to-Shore (STS) Mega Max cranes, capable of handling up to 25 container rows. Alongside four new e-RTGs and expanded yard capacity, these upgrades enable faster vessel turnaround times and sustainable cargo movement. The enhanced lift capacity and handling capabilities significantly improve productivity and accommodate Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) at the terminal.

The berthing of MSC MARA reflects the terminal’s increasingly pivotal role as a preferred gateway and burgeoning transhipment terminal for cargo movement to and from markets in south India.

DP World Cochin’s strategic geographic proximity to major maritime sea routes makes it the natural gateway to the vast industrial and agricultural markets of South and West India.

The substantial cargo growth handled by ICTT Vallarpadam, Cochin underscores its importance as a key hub for cargo movement and connectivity. By connecting close to 50 per cent of EXIM cargo directly to the Middle East, Far East, Europe and the Mediterranean through mainline services, the terminal plays a crucial role in facilitating trade flows.

Moreover, it acts as a vital hub for the flow of coastal cargo between India’s east and west coasts, enhancing regional connectivity and trade efficiency.