Prime Minister Narendra Modi today commissioned the ₹8,900 crore Vizhinjam International Seaport or transshipment in Kerala, which is a historic moment as India’s first deep-water transshipment terminal. Built on a public-private partnership between the Adani Group and the Kerala government, the port is set to transform India’s maritime commerce by lowering reliance on overseas ports and making the country a key player in international shipping. (@mathrubhumi, Wikipedia)
Vizhinjam Port Inaugurated: India’s First Deepwater Transshipment Hub Set to Transform Maritime Trade
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – May 2, 2025
In a historic moment for India’s maritime industry, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned the Vizhinjam International Seaport today, marking the country’s first deep-water transshipment facility. Located off the coast of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, this cutting-edge port is set to drastically cut India’s dependence on foreign ports for container transshipment and strengthen the country’s role in international trade. (Wikipedia)
Strategic Significance
The strategic location of Vizhinjam Port, merely 10 nautical miles from the primary east-west international shipping corridor, makes it a key maritime gateway. With its natural depth of 24 meters, it is capable of hosting ultra-large container ships (ULCS) larger than 24,000 TEUs, placing it among the very few ports in the world with this facility. This development is expected to divert a large percentage of India’s transshipment cargo, now being dealt with by ports such as Colombo and Dubai, back to Indian shores, leading to significant foreign exchange saving.(The Economic Times, Wikipedia, The Times of India)
Technological Developments
Vizhinjam Port is India’s first half-automated port, having state-of-the-art infrastructure for increasing the efficiency of operations. Some of the major technological features are:(The Economic Times)
- Remote Controlled Yard Cranes and Ship-to-Shore Cranes Operating Remotely: These enable faster and secure cargo handling.
(Onmanorama: Kerala News & Videos) - Vessel Traffic Management System Powered by AI: A system that was designed in partnership with IIT Madras for improved navigational safety and optimizing vessel movement.(The Economic Times)
These technological innovations are expected to create new standards in the operation of ports in the region.
Economic Impact
The commissioning of Vizhinjam Port is estimated to have a revolutionary impact on Kerala’s economy and India’s sea trade. During its trial run, which started in July 2024, the port processed more than 550,000 containers and received 285 ships, some of the world’s largest container vessels. Full commercial operations started in December 2024.(The Indian Express, The Economic Times)
The port is expected to provide major employment opportunities and investments in warehousing, logistics, and allied industries. It is also likely to trigger infrastructural development in the areas around it, which would add to overall economic growth.
Public-Private Partnership Model
Developed through a public-private partnership, the Vizhinjam International Seaport is a joint venture between the Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) and the Kerala state government. The project, with an estimated cost of ₹8,900 crore, is a major investment in India’s maritime infrastructure. Two-thirds of the total cost of the project, including the entire cost of constructing the breakwater—a key component that makes the port all-weather operational—has been financed by the Kerala state government.(@mathrubhumi, NewsX World, The Economic Times)
Future Prospects
In the future, proposals have been made to double the port’s capacity to 3 million TEUs by 2028. This is likely to reinforce Vizhinjam as a key transshipment center in the region. The development of the port is also part of India’s overall maritime strategy to increase port-led development and the nation’s share in global maritime trade.(Wikipedia)
Conclusion
The commissioning of Vizhinjam International Seaport is a landmark event in India’s maritime history. With its provision of a contemporary, efficient, and strategically positioned transshipment center, the port will be a key driver of changing India’s maritime trade profile, promoting economic development, and improving the country’s global trade competitiveness.
To learn more, check out the official Vizhinjam Port website: vizhinjamport.in
