Kerala’s Vizhinjam Seaport becomes India’s fastest port to handle 2 million TEU cargo in 18 months

Vizhinjam International Seaport has become India’s fastest port to cross the 2 million TEU mark since it commenced operations in 2024. Photo credit: special arrangement

Kerala’s Vizhinjam International Seaport has achieved another milestone by handling 20,000,000 TEUs (TEU Equivalent Units) in just 18 months, almost double its annual capacity.

Next year, the port is expected to commission its first 400-metre berth out of a total of 1.2 km envisaged as part of its second phase of expansion, allowing it to accommodate more ships and handle higher volumes of cargo.

A seaport, developed and operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) for the Government of Kerala, also became the first Indian port to achieve the milestone in record time. The port’s success also comes at a time when shipping operators and the global economy are increasingly prioritizing resilient maritime infrastructure and diversified trade routes amid evolving geopolitical uncertainties in West Asia and key global shipping corridors.

Vizhinjam’s strategic location along the Indian Ocean corridor is also proving to be a critical asset for shipping lines seeking route stability, operational efficiency and faster cargo movement at a time when global shipping routes are increasingly shaped by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and ongoing conflict in West Asia.

According to port authorities, Vizhinjam has handled more than 950 vessels, including 67 Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs), each measuring nearly 400 meters in length, since it began operations. The port also berths some of the world’s most famous container vessels, including the MSC Irina, recognized as the largest container ship in the world, and the MSC Verona, which is among the deepest-drafted container vessels that can enter an Indian port. The ability to berth and handle new generation container vessels places Vizhinjam among a select group of ports worldwide capable of handling large-scale transhipment traffic with high operational efficiency.

Located just 10 nautical miles from the East-West International Shipping Route, Vizhinjam offers a significant geographic advantage for global trade movement between Asia, West Asia, Europe and Africa. Its natural deep draft of around 20 meters allows large vessels to dock without extensive dredging, improving operational efficiency and reducing turnaround time.

Vizhinjam also offers regular shipping services connecting South Asia, Europe, Africa and South America, enabling faster container shipping and strengthening India’s position in global maritime trade networks. The port’s proximity to key global shipping routes enables shipping lines to save on both transit time and fuel costs, enhancing Vizhinjam’s competitiveness as a preferred transshipment hub in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Phase 2 expansion

The port is currently undergoing Phase 2 expansion with an investment of around ₹16,000 crore and is expected to be completed by 2028.

The expansion is expected to significantly increase the port’s container handling capacity and support the launch of full-scale export-import (EXIM) operations. The port began trial operations in July 2024 and was dedicated to the nation in May 2025.

Published – 30 May 2026 12:13 IST