Adani Ports & SEZ (APSEZ) has announced the historic arrival of the first Mother Ship at its Vizhinjam Port. This landmark event signifies a new chapter in India’s global transshipment, positioning Vizhinjam prominently on the International Trade Route Map.
The inauguration ceremony was led by Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, with Ports Minister V.N. Vasavan presiding over the event. Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
Vizhinjam Port represents India’s first automated port, equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to handle large vessels. The port boasts modern container handling equipment and advanced automation, including sophisticated IT systems. The 300-meter long container ship, San Fernando, operated by Maersk and capable of carrying 8,000-9,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), will utilize the port’s services for the unloading of approximately 2,000 containers and 400 container movements.
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APSEZ Managing Director, Karan Adani, emphasized the significance of Vizhinjam Port, stating, “San Fernando’s arrival at our port is a proud milestone in Indian maritime history. It signals to the world that India’s first transshipment terminal and largest deep-water port has commenced commercial operations.” He highlighted the port’s cutting-edge infrastructure, noting, “No other port in India has these technologies. We have implemented the most advanced container handling technology in South Asia here. Upon completing the automation and vessel traffic management, Vizhinjam will be among the world’s most advanced transshipment ports.”
Currently, 25% of India’s container traffic transits through this sea route. Despite India’s expanding trade with the world, the country previously lacked a dedicated transshipment port, resulting in 75% of its transshipped cargo being handled by ports outside India.
Vizhinjam Port will not only enhance transshipment routes within India but also play a crucial role in managing transportation on major routes connecting India to strategically located ports in the USA, Europe, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent.
