ICTT Vallarpadam is witnessing a shift in transshipment cargo volumes to the rapidly expanding Vizhinjam International Seaport as shipping lines increasingly route containers through the new deep-water port on India’s southern coast.
Industry sources said several mainline operators have begun diverting a portion of transshipment cargo from Vallarpadam to Vizhinjam due to the latter’s ability to handle ultra-large container vessels, lower deviation time from international shipping routes, and faster turnaround capabilities.
Vizhinjam’s strategic location near key east-west maritime trade lanes has helped the port attract growing interest from global carriers seeking to reduce dependence on foreign transshipment hubs such as Colombo, Singapore, and Jebel Ali. The port has also started handling larger vessel calls shortly after commencing commercial operations, strengthening its position in the regional container market.
Shipping and logistics stakeholders noted that Vallarpadam continues to remain an important gateway for Kerala’s EXIM cargo and coastal shipping operations, but increasing competition from Vizhinjam is reshaping cargo movement patterns along the southwest coast.
Cargo handlers and freight forwarders said some transshipment volumes are gradually shifting toward Vizhinjam due to improved connectivity plans, modern infrastructure, and expectations of future capacity expansion. Analysts believe the competition between the two Kerala ports could intensify as carriers optimize network efficiency and reduce operational costs.
Despite the shift, Vallarpadam is expected to retain a significant share of gateway cargo linked to industrial, retail, and agricultural trade from central Kerala. Port industry experts said both ports could eventually complement each other if regional trade volumes continue to expand and India’s transshipment ambitions gather momentum.
