Vizhinjam Port’s ability to handle the world’s largest vessels strengthens India’s presence in global logistics and maritime trade.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
Vizhinjam International Seaport, developed and operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) in association with Kerala Government, on Wednesday marked one year of commercial operations and set new benchmarks.
In just 10 months, Vizhinjam became India’s fastest port to handle 1 million TEU (twenty equivalent units) of cargo. The port has so far handled 615 vessels and 1.32 million TEU of cargo. Among the vessels, 41 Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) of 399+ meters in length were also handled, the highest of any Indian port, and 154 ships above 300 meters in length, demonstrating the port’s ability to handle the world’s large carriers.
MSC Verona, with an arrival draft of 17.1m, the deepest draft vessel ever handled in South Asia, and MSC Irina, the world’s largest container ship, arrived at the port during the year. Vizhinjam became the first Indian port to deploy female automatic crane operators, strengthening gender mainstreaming in maritime operations. Work on the second phase of the port development has begun, although work will formally begin after the local body elections.
The second phase of work
Work is underway to extend the anchorage and breakwater. In the second phase, port concessionaire Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd. (AVPPL) to invest ₹9,700 crore. According to the master plan for the construction of the multi-purpose seaport, the breakwater, which is currently approximately 3,000m long, will be extended to 3,900m by 2028. The port’s container terminal berth will be extended by 1.2km from the existing 800m. Once completed, the port’s annual handling capacity will increase to more than 4 million TEUs, making Vizhinjam the largest container handling port in the South India.
Vizhinjam is located close to major east-west shipping routes and is becoming India’s leading deep sea transshipment hub. Its ability to handle the world’s largest vessels strengthens India’s presence in global logistics and maritime trade. Vizhinjam’s exceptional first year not only enhances the port’s global profile but also reinforces India’s growing influence in international shipping, port authorities said here on Wednesday.
Published – 03 Dec 2025 19:46 IST
