In a historic moment for Sri Lanka’s maritime sector, the colossal MSC MARIELLA—the world’s largest container ship—has docked at the Eastern International Container Terminal of the Colombo Port, setting a new benchmark in the nation’s port operations.
With a jaw-dropping capacity of 24,246 containers, the MSC MARIELLA becomes the largest vessel ever to call at a Sri Lankan port. The ship, built in 2023, spans 399.90 meters in length and 61.30 meters in width, weighing in at a staggering 240,739 tons.
The arrival of this maritime giant not only marks a symbolic milestone but also reaffirms Sri Lanka’s strategic potential as a global shipping hub. It demonstrates the readiness of the Eastern Container Terminal, operated by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), to handle ultra-large container vessels with maximum efficiency.
Equipped with state-of-the-art Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes, the terminal has proven it can safely and swiftly manage mega-ship operations—a critical requirement in the competitive global shipping industry.
The docking of MSC MARIELLA is more than just a logistical achievement; it sends a powerful message to the world: Sri Lanka is ready for the future of maritime trade.
