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Gautam Adani: Historic Day For Vizhinjam Port As India Enters Global Trans-Shipment Era

In a landmark event for India’s maritime sector, the Adani Group’s Vizhinjam Port welcomed its first mothership on Thursday.

The vessel, ‘San Fernando’, belonging to Maersk, the world’s second-largest shipping company, arrived with over 2,000 containers on board, setting a new benchmark for India’s port capabilities.

Taking to X, Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group posted, “Historic Day as Vizhinjam welcomes its 1st container vessel! This milestone marks India’s entry into global transshipment and ushers in a new era in India’s maritime logistics, positioning Vizhinjam as a key player in global trade routes. Jai Hind!”

The momentous occasion however underscores the strategic importance of Vizhinjam Port, which is likely to rank 6th or 7th globally in terms of port operations.

The port’s development signifies a major leap forward for India’s participation in the global port business, enhancing its capacity to handle significant cargo volumes.

An official ceremony is further slated for Friday to commemorate the port’s operational commencement.

Meanwhile, the event will feature prominent attendees, including Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (APSEZ) Managing Director Karan Adani.

APSEZ, a pivotal arm of the Adani Group, operates an extensive network of ports and terminals across India.

The company boasts seven strategically located ports on the western coast and eight on the eastern coast, together handling 27 percent of the nation’s total port volumes.

In the fiscal year 2024, APSEZ however managed 27 percent of India’s overall cargo and 44 percent of container cargo, solidifying its status as a dominant force in the country’s maritime infrastructure.