The inauguration of India’s first deepwater container transhipment port in Vizhinjam, Kerala, marked a significant milestone in the country’s maritime sector. The event was attended by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Kerala Chief Minister Pinari Vijayan, highlighting the importance of this venture. With the arrival of the first mothership ‘MV San Fernando’, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the port is now operational and ready to handle large-scale automation for vessels, including megamax containerships.
Union Minister Sonowal emphasized the historic significance of the maiden mothership docking at Vizhinjam, attributing the success to the collaborative efforts of the Kerala government, Indian government, and Adani Port SEZ. This achievement is a testament to the ‘Make in India’ vision, promoting entrepreneurship and partnership for the growth of India’s maritime sector. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is focusing on creating world-class port infrastructure, with mega projects like the All Weather Deep Draft Port at Vadhavan in Maharashtra and the International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Galathea Bay.
Vizhinjam Port is a strategic initiative near Thiruvananthapuram, boasting India’s first greenfield port project with an investment exceeding Rs 18,000 crores. Developed under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode, the port’s location near international shipping routes allows for efficient transit times, attracting large cargo and container ships. As the port enhances its facilities and infrastructure, it is poised to boost Kerala’s economic growth by creating jobs, enhancing trade, and attracting investments.
Strategically positioned as a gateway for regional trade, Vizhinjam Port is expected to play a significant role in commerce between Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Union Minister Sonowal highlighted the government’s commitment to developing India’s ports sector under PM Modi’s leadership, aiming to become a top maritime global power in the future. With its operationalization, Vizhinjam Port presents an opportunity for India to compete with transhipment hubs like Colombo and Singapore and mitigate disruptions in the global supply chain.
The completion of the Vizhinjam International Seaport is a crucial step towards realizing India’s potential as a maritime powerhouse, with investments worth over Rs 24,000 crores being implemented in Kerala under the Sagarmala project. With the current global scenario impacting the maritime sector, Vizhinjam Port offers a viable alternative for major shipping lines and contributes to the diversification of trade routes. As India focuses on strengthening its maritime infrastructure, Vizhinjam Port stands as a key player in fostering economic growth and trade opportunities.
