Vizhinjam International Seaport, developed and operated by the Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd, in partnership with the Kerala government, has handled a record one million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) cargo in just 10 months of operations.

Located close to major east–west shipping lanes, it is emerging as a premier deep-water transshipment hub capable of handling the world’s largest vessels, thereby strengthening India’s presence in global logistics and maritime trade.

The exceptional first year not only elevates the port’s global standing but also reinforces India’s growing influence in international shipping, unlocking new opportunities for economic growth and supply-chain competitiveness. 

Kerala Ports Minister VN Vasavan, after reviewing the performance, said the second phase of the port development work is likely to be inaugu-rated in mid-January. The launch of the second, third and fourth phases of construction would see an investment of ?9,700 crore by Adani Group. The existing 800 m berth will be increased to 2,000 m and the 2.96 km breakwater will be increased by another 9.2 m, Vasavan said.

The port has handled 650 vessels and 1.4 million TEU cargo in its inau-gural year; this includes 43 ultra-large container vessels (ULCV, which are more than 399 m in length) between December 2024 and 2025 - the highest for any Indian port and 154 ships that were more than 300 m in length.

Binu KS, a member of Kerala Steamer Agents Association, pointed out that the launch of operations at Vizhinjam International Seaport had enabled new vessels to sail between Indian ports, providing crucial con-nections for cargoes originating from India towards overseas destina-tions and vice versa. This movement has aided Indian exim trade and helped reduce the outflow of foreign currencies that otherwise went to-wards payment of transshipment fees at ports such as Colombo and Singapore.

This transition is happening at a fast pace and will gain further mo-mentum with the commissioning of the final phase of the Vizhinjam project by 2028. It will then prove to be a real game changer, Vasavan said.

Vizhinjam is setting new operational benchmarks as India's first semi-automated container port, with the promise of high efficiency and relia-bility. Its other distinctions include being the first Indian port to deploy women as automated crane operators, advancing gender inclusion in maritime operations.

Source: The Hindu Business Line 

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