The Vizhinjam International Seaport, developed and operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), has achieved a historic milestone by berthing the MSC Verona with a draft of 17.1 metres, setting a new national record for the deepest draft container vessel handled in India.
This landmark occasion also marked the 500th vessel call at Vizhinjam, a remarkable feat achieved within just 10 months of commercial operations, which began in December 2024. Among these, 28 were Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) — the highest number ever handled by a single Indian port.
In less than a year, Vizhinjam has already processed 1.1 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), surpassing its projected first-year capacity and underlining its position as one of the fastest-growing ports in the region.
With its natural depth of 18–20 metres and minimal littoral drift, Vizhinjam is uniquely placed to berth the world’s largest container vessels, cementing its role as India’s premier deep-water transshipment hub and enhancing the country’s integration with global trade networks.
Kerala Port Minister V.N. Vasavan lauded the achievement, stating: “The 500 ships that berthed in this short span of time are proof of how important Vizhinjam is in world cargo shipping. Vizhinjam is growing with each step, reflecting India’s evolving maritime prowess.”
Adding to this, Dr. Divya S. Iyer, Managing Director of Vizhinjam International Seaport, said: “The success of Vizhinjam within such a short period reaffirms its strategic importance to India’s maritime future. We are not just building a port — we are building a global gateway for India. This milestone demonstrates our capability to handle the largest vessels, while also creating new opportunities for trade, commerce, and economic growth.”
With these achievements, Vizhinjam is rapidly emerging as a critical hub for India’s maritime transformation, unlocking new pathways of connectivity and strengthening the nation’s footprint in global shipping.
