Vizhinjam Port to dock world’s largest ships

The long-awaited deep-sea port, Vizhinjam port in Kerala is close to international shipping routes that carry 30% of the global cargo traffic. The port has been developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. in collaboration with the Kerala state government.

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The Vizhinjam transhipment container port, situated close to the southernmost point of India, will enable the country to gain a bigger chunk of the international maritime trade presently dominated by China. 

Vizhinjam is an ideal hub for some of the largest cargo ships in the world because of its closeness to international shipping routes that carry 30% of the global cargo traffic and a natural channel that is about 24 meters (79 ft) under the sea. These ships had previously avoided docking at Indian ports and instead chose ports like Colombo, Dubai, and Singapore since India’s harbours weren’t deep enough to accommodate such large ships.

According to the Adani Ports website, Vizhinjam Port (Kerala) “will offer a quick turnaround of vessels including Megamax container ships. The port will have a capacity of 1 million TEUs in the first phase at an investment of 77 billion rupees.” About 6.2 million TEUs will be added in the ensuing phases.

Karan Adani, the Chief Executive Officer of Adani Ports informed that Adani Ports will invest US$ 2.4 billion in Vizhinjam Transhipment Terminal by 2030. In the first phase of the project, about 77 billion rupees have already been invested. 

The long-awaited deep-sea port has been developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. in collaboration with the Kerala state government. 

Adani Ports is India’s largest private-sector port operator with a market share of about 30%. The Vizhinjam port with its natural advantages will improve operating margins for Adani Ports. As part of its increasing global presence, Adani Ports is developing Israel’s Haifa port and also plans to build a hub in Vietnam.