Vizhinjam Port Clocks 392 Ship Arrivals In First Year, Handles 8.3 Lakh Containers; Phase 2 Expansion Worth Rs 10,000 Crore To Begin Soon

Vizhinjam transshipment port in Kerala has recorded a significant milestone, handling close to 400 container ships within a year of its operational debut, according to Kerala Ports Minister V N Vasavan.

Marking the first anniversary of the port on 11 July, Vasavan shared on Facebook that the port has swiftly risen to prominence, emerging as the leading port along India’s south-east coastline after beginning commercial activities in December last year, reported PTI.

The port was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 2 May this year,

Since the arrival of the San Fernando ship at the port on 11 July 2024, Vizhinjam has so far accommodated 392 vessels, including 23 ultra-large ships, and managed 8.3 lakh containers.

Vasavan highlighted that Vizhinjam has operated at full capacity right from the starting of its commercial operations, a rarity in the world.

He added that the port’s performance helped to show the world that India has the ability to operate a port using advanced technologies, including automation and AI.

Beyond its commercial success, the port has also fostered significant community impact.

The minister noted that women from the local Vizhinjam community have been trained as India’s first female automated crane operators, while the port’s corporate social responsibility initiatives have benefited over one lakh people in fields such as healthcare, education, and skill development.

“Along with celebrating the first year with pride, the second phase of construction, which is expected to cost over Rs 10,000 crore, will also begin soon. Vizhinjam will grow as the gateway to India’s maritime supremacy,” Vasavan declared in his post.

The port, developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd under a public-private partnership, has so far involved an estimated investment of Rs 8,867 crore.

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