Vizhinjam transshipment hub has handled nearly 400 container ships in the past year, Kerala Ports Minister V N Vasavan said in a Facebook post marking the first anniversary of the port’s inaugural docking.
Developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) under a public-private partnership model, the port was built at an estimated cost of ₹8,867 crore.
Claiming that Vizhinjam has emerged as the top port on India’s south-east coast, the minister described it as “one of the rare ports in the world” to begin full-capacity operations within a year of its launch in December last year.
In total, the port has received 392 vessels, including 23 ultra-large ships and the world’s largest container vessel, the MSC Irina. With expanding AI and automation capabilities, Vizhinjam has handled 8.3 lakh containers so far.
“Along with celebrating the first year with pride, the second phase construction works which are expected to cost more than ₹10,000 crore will also start soon. Vizhinjam will grow as a gateway to India’s maritime superiority.” Vasavan wrote.
The minister also highlighted that Vizhinjam port is home to India’s first female automated crane operators, all recruited from local communities. The port is supporting over one lakh people through various social impact initiatives in health, education, and skill development, he added.