Vizhinjam Port Redefines India’s Maritime Might

In a remarkable feat, Adani Group’s Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram has surpassed 1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) within just nine months of starting commercial operations on December 3, 2024. Operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), the port has not only exceeded its initial target of handling 30% of its 1 million TEU capacity in the first year but has redefined India’s role in global maritime trade.

Kerala’s Minister for Ports, VN Vasavan, celebrated the milestone at a port ceremony, declaring, “This achievement marks a proud moment for Kerala and India as an emerging maritime power.” He announced that the second phase of the port’s development, including enhanced railway and road connectivity, will commence soon to further boost its capacity and accessibility.

Since its launch, Vizhinjam has welcomed over 460 vessels, including 26 ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) up to 399.99 meters long. A standout moment was the handling of the MSC Paloma, where the port set a national record by exchanging 10,576 TEUs in a single call, showcasing its operational efficiency. This success stems from meticulous planning, optimized crane deployment, and high berth utilization, positioning Vizhinjam as Southern India’s largest container terminal by TEUs in its debut year.

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The port’s strategic location near major East-West shipping routes and its natural 18.5-meter draft allow it to accommodate the world’s largest vessels without dredging, a rare advantage among global deep-water ports. Coupled with cutting-edge technology—8 ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, 24 automated cantilever rail-mounted gantry (CRMG) cranes, and AI- and IoT-enabled systems for real-time cargo tracking—Vizhinjam ensures rapid vessel turnaround and scalability for future growth.

Vizhinjam’s rise is reshaping trade dynamics by offering direct connectivity to Europe, the US, Africa, and the Far East, reducing India’s reliance on foreign transshipment hubs like Colombo and Singapore. This shift lowers costs and transit times for Indian exporters and importers, strengthening the country’s self-reliance in maritime logistics. With export-import (EXIM) operations slated to begin in Q4 of FY25, the port is set to unlock new trade corridors, cementing its role as a southern gateway for global commerce.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of Vizhinjam’s design. The port integrates renewable energy solutions and complies with stringent safeguards from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). By prioritizing energy efficiency and reducing emissions, Vizhinjam leads India’s Green Shipping Revolution, setting a benchmark for eco-conscious infrastructure.

Industry experts highlight Vizhinjam’s potential to rival global ports, with its performance already matching top-tier facilities in handling large parcel exchanges. The collaboration between APSEZ, the government, and local communities has been pivotal in achieving this milestone. As the port scales up EXIM operations and deepens its green initiatives, it is poised to become a global model for deep-water ports, blending world-class infrastructure with environmental responsibility.

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