Mundra Port, the flagship port of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), achieved a significant accomplishment by berthing the MV MSC Hamburg, one of the largest container ships in the world.
MV MSC Hamburg
Built in 2015, the MV MSC Hamburg is a 399-meter long and 54-meter wide container vessel. On July 2, 2023, it was anchored at Adani Ports Mundra, making a historic event.
The MV MSC Hamburg has a carrying capacity of 15,908 TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit) with a current draught of 12 meters. Its dimensions are equivalent to four football fields, according to APSEZ.
“Mundra anchors one of the longest vessels. MV MSC Hamburg vessel dimension equals 4 football fields,” APSEZ stated.
Why Large Ships
Container ships transport goods using standardized container sizes, measured as 20- or 40-feet equivalent units (TEUs and FEUs). These containers can carry non-perishable or perishable items, including refrigerated cargo.
Over the past 20 years, container ships have significantly increased in size. While a large container ship in 2002 could carry approximately 6,500 TEU, today’s largest container ships can transport nearly 24,000 TEU.
The Ever Alot, an ultra-large container vessel built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, currently holds the record as the world’s largest container ship with a capacity of over 24,000 TEU.
Significance
Ultra-large ships provide economies of scale, reducing manufacturing costs for consumers. They also have a lower environmental impact, emitting an average of 80% less carbon dioxide.
However, these large vessels pose challenges for ports worldwide. Cranes must reach across the ships to load and unload containers, and there are size restrictions in canals such as the Suez and Panama canals. Avoiding grounding is crucial, as some ships sit so deep in the water that they touch the bottom.
The berthing of MV MSC Hamburg at Mundra port signifies excellent port infrastructure, operations, and efficiency. The APSEZ Mundra Team ensured safe berthing by considering vessel conditions and live weather conditions.
Most US ports cannot accommodate the largest container ships, highlighting the significance of Mundra’s achievement. Only a few ships with capacities close to 20,000 TEUs have ever called US ports.
In 2021, APSEZ berthed the 13,892 TEU APL Raffles, the largest container vessel to call at any Indian port. However, inadequate port infrastructure has limited India’s ability to attract bigger container ships.
Mundra port stands out with one of the deepest drafts among Indian ports, reaching up to 17.5 meters, making it suitable for handling various cargo types.
“The existing port and terminal infrastructure in India do limit the possibility of utilizing the full strength of ultra-large vessels,” said AP Moller-Maersk A/S, the world’s second-largest container shipping line. Factors such as draft depth, crane capacity, and port throughput affect India’s ability to handle these ships effectively.
Furthermore, the geographic spread of importers and exporters across India makes it more cost and time effective to use ports closer to their operations.
