The Vizhinjam International Seaport has solidified its position as a rising star in India’s maritime sector, clinching the No. 1 rank among 15 ports in the country’s southern and eastern regions for February 2025. Handling an impressive 78,833 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) from 40 vessels, the port’s performance underscores Kerala’s growing prominence in global maritime trade. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan hailed this achievement as “a key step in our development journey,” highlighting its significance for the state’s economic ambitions.

Located near Thiruvananthapuram, Vizhinjam is India’s first deep-water container transshipment port, developed through a public-private partnership between the Kerala government and Adani Ports. Since commencing trial operations in July 2024, it has consistently exceeded expectations. By December 2024, it had already handled over 3 lakh TEUs in six months—triple initial estimates—demonstrating its capacity to reshape India’s shipping landscape. February’s figures further affirm its trajectory toward becoming a major transshipment hub, reducing India’s dependence on foreign ports like Colombo and Singapore.

The port’s success is driven by its strategic location, just 10 nautical miles from key international shipping routes, and its natural depth of 20-24 meters, ideal for mega-container ships. Partnerships with global shipping giants like MSC and Maersk have bolstered its operations, with plans to handle 500,000 TEUs in its first fiscal year. Looking ahead, investments of ₹20,000 crore are slated for Phases 2 and 3 by 2028, aiming to scale capacity to 6.2 million TEUs.

Vizhinjam’s rise not only boosts Kerala’s economy but also positions India as a competitive player in global logistics, marking a transformative chapter in its maritime history.