Rising geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have begun reshaping global shipping patterns, with traffic increasingly diverting toward India’s Vizhinjam International Seaport.
Shashi Tharoor has described this shift as a historic opportunity, praising the port’s emergence as a major transhipment hub.
Concerns over vessel safety in the Hormuz corridor, driven by tensions involving Iran and Western nations, have prompted global shipping companies to seek safer alternatives.
Vizhinjam, operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, has quickly positioned itself as a reliable option.
Tharoor highlighted via a post on X that around 100 ships are currently either queued or waiting to berth at the port.
100 ships. One destination.
The Strait of Hormuz crisis has shifted global shipping eyes to my constituency! Thiruvananthapuram’s Vizhinjam Port is currently seeing a massive surge with 100 vessels in queue or seeking calls.
From handling its 1 millionth TEU in record time to… pic.twitter.com/QykvSldpTB
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 18, 2026
In March 2026 alone, Vizhinjam handled 61 vessels, marking a new operational record and underlining India’s growing maritime capacity.
Under the leadership of Gautam Adani, the port has evolved into one of the world’s most advanced deep-water facilities.
Tharoor noted that the project, once viewed with scepticism, has now become a reality, competing with global hubs like Colombo Port and the Port of Singapore.
Vizhinjam has crossed the milestone of handling 1 million TEUs in record time. Expansion under Phase II is progressing rapidly, with plans to accommodate up to five large motherships simultaneously.
Strategically located close to international shipping routes, the port features a natural depth exceeding 18 metres, enabling it to handle some of the world’s largest cargo vessels.
Advanced automated cranes and efficient logistics systems have significantly reduced turnaround time, enhancing its competitiveness.
Tharoor described Vizhinjam as a global necessity and a symbol of India’s maritime ambitions, noting that it could reduce dependence on Colombo while positioning India as a key node in global supply chains.
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