Vizhinjam International Seaport has achieved a new operational milestone by handling MSC Virginia, a container vessel with a draft of 16.95 metres — the second-highest draft ever recorded at any Indian port.
The vessel, which had earlier called at Adani Mundra Port with a draft of 16 metres, berthed at Vizhinjam to complete cargo operations. After handling nearly 5,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), its draft increased to 16.95 metres before departing for Spain on Sunday morning.
The previous record at Vizhinjam stood at 16.8 metres. With this achievement, the port has now handled 17 vessels with drafts above 16.5 metres, underlining its readiness to accommodate ultra-large container ships.
A vessel’s draft — the vertical distance between the waterline and the keel — is a critical indicator of the minimum depth required at a port for safe berthing. Vizhinjam’s natural depth of 18 to 20 metres offers a distinct advantage, enabling it to compete globally as a hub for the largest container vessels in maritime trade.
