Vizhinjam International Seaport Inauguration: A New Era in Indian Maritime Trade

India’s First Deep-Water Transshipment Port Becomes Operational

Vizhinjam International Seaport Inauguration: A New Era in Indian Maritime Trade: On May 2, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Seaport near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, marking a major milestone in India’s maritime infrastructure. This is the country’s first fully deep-water and semi-automated container transshipment terminal, built through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the Kerala Government and Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt. Ltd. (AVPPL). With its ability to handle large container ships directly, the port is expected to transform India’s maritime logistics.

Strategic Location and Economic Importance

Vizhinjam is uniquely located just 10 nautical miles from international East-West shipping lanes, making it ideal for handling mother vessels without needing feeder transshipments at foreign ports like Colombo or Singapore. The natural depth of the harbor (over 20 meters) eliminates the need for extensive dredging, making it cost-effective and environmentally sustainable. This is not only a boost for Kerala’s economy but also a critical step for India to emerge as a global shipping hub.

Infrastructure and Private Sector Role

The ₹18,000 crore investment under the 2015 concession agreement has resulted in state-of-the-art infrastructure. Adani Ports and SEZ (APSEZ), which operates 15 ports across India and abroad, is managing Vizhinjam. The port began commercial operations in 2024 and has already handled 265 ships and 5.48 lakh TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units). In July 2024, the first mother ship, MV San Fernando, docked here, showing the operational viability of the terminal.

National and Global Impact

This project will help reduce India’s dependence on foreign ports for transshipment and cut down logistics costs significantly. It strengthens India’s “Make in India” initiative by enabling faster movement of export goods. At the global level, it positions India competitively in the Indo-Pacific maritime corridor, especially in trade with the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa. The port also supports India’s Sagarmala initiative focused on port-led development.

STATIC GK SNAPSHOT

Vizhinjam International Seaport Inauguration: A New Era in Indian Maritime Trade: