Kerala Ports Minister V.N. Vasavan announced on Tuesday that the Vizhinjam International Seaport, operational since December 2024, has achieved multiple national records in just 10 months, including handling the highest number of ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) in India. In a Facebook post, Vasavan highlighted the port’s milestone of docking MSC Verona, the deepest-draft container ship ever handled in the country at 17.1 meters, marking it as the 500th vessel to arrive at Vizhinjam, underscoring its rising prominence in global maritime trade.

Developed and operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), Vizhinjam has processed 1.1 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), surpassing its projected annual capacity. Of the 500 vessels handled, 28 were ULCVs, a record for any Indian port, according to APSEZ. The port’s natural depth of 18–20 meters and minimal littoral drift enable it to accommodate the world’s largest container ships, positioning it as India’s premier deep-water transshipment hub, the company stated.

Vasavan emphasized Vizhinjam’s strategic role in enhancing India’s maritime infrastructure, connecting the nation to major international trade routes. The port’s rapid success, including handling 10,576 containers from a single vessel (MSC Paloma), has outpaced expectations, with projections of 1.3–1.4 million TEUs by December 2025. Its proximity to global shipping lanes, just 10 nautical miles from key routes, bolsters its significance, as noted in a recent Maritime Gateway report.

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The achievements come as Vizhinjam, dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2, 2025, transforms Kerala into a global maritime hub. With ongoing expansions planned through 2028, the port is set to handle 3 million TEUs annually, reinforcing India’s position in international trade. Authorities are optimistic about its continued growth, despite concerns over funding sustainability raised by some state officials.

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