Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala has climbed to the 83rd position globally among container ports within just over a year of commencing commercial operations, according to port sources on Thursday.
Developed and operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) under a public-private partnership with the Kerala government, Vizhinjam has rapidly emerged as a benchmark deep-water container port in India.
Sources said the recently inaugurated Phase 2 of the port marks a ₹16,000-crore expansion, forming part of the Adani Group’s ₹30,000-crore investment commitment in Kerala. Port-led development at Vizhinjam is significantly enhancing the state’s competitiveness in global logistics, maritime trade and ease of doing business, they added.
The port recorded major operational milestones in January 2026, including its highest-ever monthly container throughput of 1,23,092 TEUs, handling of 62 vessels—the highest in a single month since operations began—and a record gross crane rate (GCR) of 30.12 moves per hour.
These achievements underscore a sharp rise in productivity at a port that has been operational for only a little over a year. Since commencing operations, Vizhinjam has handled 740 vessels and 1.57 million TEUs, supporting its steady ascent in global container port rankings.
Vizhinjam is India’s first semi-automated container port and is among the few ports in South Asia capable of handling the world’s largest container vessels. Between December 2024 and January 2026, the port handled over 50 ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) exceeding 399 metres in length, more than 160 vessels longer than 300 metres, and 50 vessels with drafts exceeding 16 metres.
Several regional operational benchmarks were set during this period, highlighting the port’s readiness for next-generation shipping assets, the sources said.
Advanced technology and skilled manpower have been key drivers of performance. Vizhinjam has deployed a made-in-India Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) to digitally monitor vessel and yard movements, improving safety, predictability and turnaround times. It is also the first container port in the country to deploy women automated crane operators, reflecting a progressive approach to workforce inclusion.
The second phase of development forms part of the Adani Group’s cumulative ₹30,000-crore investment commitment announced at the Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025.
Together, Phases 1 and 2 represent the largest private-sector infrastructure investment in Kerala’s history, positioning Vizhinjam as a critical gateway in India’s maritime growth strategy and its ambition to capture a larger share of global container transshipment traffic, the sources added.
