On June 9, 2025, Karan Adani heralded the MSC Irina’s arrival at Vizhinjam Port, marking a pivotal moment for India’s maritime industry. As the world’s largest container ship, its docking underscores India’s growing role in global trade and highlights Vizhinjam’s strategic importance in international shipping routes.
Vizhinjam Port has quickly become the leading container handling hub in South and East India, narrowing the gap with major Western ports. Its strategic location and advanced automated systems have enabled it to exceed its initial capacity. As it continues to develop, Vizhinjam is set to enhance its regional container trade dominance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vizhinjam port, a ₹8,900 crore project, emphasizing its role in enhancing India’s maritime security. He highlighted the port as a catalyst for regional development, boosting trade and economic growth, while creating employment opportunities and improving logistics efficiency for larger cargo ships in global trade.
Kerala’s Minister VN Vasavan shared that the Gateway Container operation at Vizhinjam port would begin in four months. Discussions are progressing for installing container scanners. Recent data showed 215 ships docking with 4,22,846 TEU handled. The upcoming phases for the Transportunship Harbor at Tiefsee port were approved.
The Vizhinjam International Port has emerged as the top performer in cargo handling among 15 harbors in southern and eastern India. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan praised the port’s rapid progress and highlighted its significance in the global maritime industry. With only eight months of operation, Vizhinjam has already made a significant impact.
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) will increase the number of ships docking at Vizhinjam International Port in 2025. The Dragon and Jade services will connect Asia, the Mediterranean, Europe, and Asia. Adani Ports plans to utilize the port for export containers, providing faster shipping to Europe. This collaboration will enhance trade opportunities and efficiency.
The arrival of the MV San Fernando at Vizhinjam port in Kerala marks a significant milestone for India’s maritime ambitions. With state-of-the-art technology and plans to handle transshipment traffic, the port aims to elevate India’s position in global trade. This project, a partnership between the Kerala government and Adani Group, is expected to create thousands of new jobs and revolutionize India’s maritime history.
The Adani Group’s Vizhinjam Port in Kerala will welcome its first mothership on July 12, marking a milestone in completing India’s first exclusive trans-shipment port. Managing Director Divya S. Iyer confirmed the event, with preparations in place for the inauguration ceremony. The port aims to be a leading bunkering hub globally, supplying eco-friendly fuels like hydrogen and ammonia.
The Kerala Maritime Board is making significant investments in ports along the coast, with a focus on increasing draught and infrastructure. Jetties and cranes are being set up at key ports, including Beypore, with plans to improve facilities and security measures to meet international standards.
Inaugurating a seminar on ‘Port Development and Employment’ at the Kerala Gazetted Officers’ Association Conference, emphasis was placed on the economic impact of the Vizhinjam International Port in Kerala. Panelists highlighted the importance of using natural opportunities to maximize port development, reduce pollution, and rejuvenate struggling sectors like cashew.
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) will expand the Vizhinjam port in Kerala by 2028, settling an arbitration case with the state government. The capacity expansion to handle 3 million TEUs from a 2 km berth is part of the agreement, altering the initial concession terms outlined in the contract.
The team expects to complete the study by March. Environmental clearance for the construction of Adani Vizhinjam Private Port Limited’s (AVPPL) second and third phases hinges on the report. The deadline for both phases was shifted to 2028. The project is estimated to cost Rs 10,000 crore, with 1,000 meters of breakwater to be built.
The tripartite agreement would provide a viability gap fund worth Rs 817.80 crore to Adani Vizhinjam Private Port Limited, speeding up the project completion. The second and third phases are expected to be finished by 2028, attracting significant investments. Despite delays due to unforeseeable events, the project aims to resume and achieve completion.
72% of the total works expected to be completed in the first phase have been completed. Due to lack of stones for the breakwater construction, the project is delayed. After completing the first phase, the port will be able to handle 100,000 containers and infrastructure facilities work is progressing rapidly.
Up to 11 yard cranes and four ship-to-shore cranes are being installed at the port. Nine cranes are already in place, with operation under review. Installation is being done by the Indian branch of Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries. The port’s deep depth and proximity to the shipping canal make it an attractive transshipment hub.
