Adani’s Vizhinjam Port Makes History With India’s Largest-Ever Container Ship Arrival

Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, operated by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (APSEZ), made maritime history by receiving MSC Turkiye – one of the world’s largest and most environmentally advanced container vessels.

Measuring 399.9 meters in length and capable of carrying 24,346 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), MSC Turkiye is now the largest container ship ever to dock at an Indian port.

First-Ever Indian Port Call For MSC Turkiye

The vessel, operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and registered under the Liberian flag, marked its maiden call to an Indian port by docking at Vizhinjam.

In doing so, it surpasses the previous record set by MSC Claude Girardet in September 2024, which had a capacity of 24,116 TEUs.

This latest milestone not only sets a new benchmark but also serves as a powerful testament to Vizhinjam’s rising prominence in global maritime logistics.

As India pushes to strengthen its position in international trade, MSC Turkiye’s arrival underscores the port’s growing strategic significance on the global shipping map.

Gateway To Global Trade

Situated just 10 nautical miles from the major east-west international shipping route, Vizhinjam Port boasts a natural depth of 20 meters, making it ideal for accommodating ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) without extensive dredging.

Combined with this strategic location, the port’s geographical and structural advantages offer a significant edge in global shipping.

Thanks to this rare synergy of location and infrastructure, Vizhinjam is uniquely positioned to serve as India’s first true mega transshipment hub.

To support this vision, the port is equipped with cutting-edge automation and rapid turnaround capabilities, with Phase 1 already offering capacity for 1 million TEUs.

Looking ahead, future phases aim to scale this up to 5.5 million TEUs by 2028, further solidifying Vizhinjam’s role in India’s maritime future.

Adani Ports has secured a 40-year concession from the Kerala government to develop and manage the port, aiming to handle nearly half of India’s container transshipment and reduce dependence on foreign ports such as Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai.

Boost To Kerala’s Economy & National Trade

The docking of MSC Turkiye not only showcases Vizhinjam’s readiness for global maritime operations but also underlines APSEZ’s broader commitment to India’s economic development.

In February, the Adani Group pledged a ₹30,000 crore investment in Kerala over the next five years, covering the expansion of Vizhinjam Port, upgrading Thiruvananthapuram Airport, and creating a comprehensive logistics hub.

This commitment underscores the group’s long-term vision for Kerala’s economic transformation.

Against this backdrop, Vizhinjam is emerging as a symbol of India’s growing prowess in global shipping and logistics.

The successful docking of MSC Turkiye further strengthens APSEZ’s vision to transform the port into a world-class maritime gateway, reinforcing India’s ambitions to become a leader in international trade and supply chain efficiency.

Also Read: RBI Cuts Repo Rate By 25 Basis Points To Boost Economic Growth