PM Modi Dedicates Vizhinjam Deepwater Port to the Nation: A Game-Changer for India's Global Maritime Trade

On May 2nd, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. This momentous event was attended by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, and several dignitaries. The port, developed with an investment of ₹8,900 crore, marks a significant milestone as India’s first deepwater transhipment port and its first semi-automated port.

Image via DD News

Strategic Development and Technological Advancements

Developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the port is managed by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (APSEZ), with the Kerala government holding the majority stake. It is a crucial step forward in realizing India’s untapped maritime potential, aligning with the Modi government's Maritime India Vision 2030. After receiving its commercial commissioning certificate on December 4, 2025, the port began trial operations on July 13, 2024, successfully handling 272 large vessels and more than 550,000 containers. By December 2028, the port is expected to enhance its annual capacity to at least 3 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), with an additional ₹10,000 crore investment required for the expansion.

Achievements and Global Recognition

The Vizhinjam port has already made a mark in the global maritime industry, ranking first among the ports on India's southern and western coasts for container cargo handling, processing over 100,000 TEUs a month. It also joined the prestigious Jade Service of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world’s largest shipping company, cementing its status among global maritime giants like Qingdao, Shanghai, and Singapore. In April 2025, the port welcomed MSC Türkiye, one of the world’s largest cargo ships, marking a significant achievement as the first Indian port to handle such a massive vessel.

Strategic Location and Operational Features

The Vizhinjam International Seaport is strategically located near international shipping lanes, just 10 nautical miles from the east-west shipping route. This location, coupled with a natural depth of 18-20 meters, makes it ideal for large cargo vessels to dock without the need for costly dredging operations. The port's minimal sand movement reduces maintenance costs, further enhancing its economic viability. Its proximity to NH 66, the main railway line, and Trivandrum Airport will facilitate smooth cargo movement, making it a convenient hub for national and international trade. Advanced technologies, such as India’s first AI-powered Vessel Traffic Management System developed with IIT Madras, ensure efficient operations.

Importance of Transhipment Ports

As a transhipment hub, Vizhinjam will handle cargo shipments that need to be transferred from smaller vessels to larger ones for long-distance transport. This facility is vital for India, which previously relied on foreign ports like Singapore, Colombo, and Jebel Ali for 75% of its transhipment cargo. The establishment of Vizhinjam port eliminates this dependence, protecting India’s supply chains from global geopolitical shifts, and preserving foreign exchange while reducing costs for domestic traders.

India's Maritime Vision

The Modi government remains committed to boosting India’s maritime capabilities. This year, a ₹25,000 crore budget allocation has been earmarked to bolster the country's maritime sector. The inclusion of large ships in the infrastructure list is a step towards strengthening India’s shipbuilding industry. The Maharashtra government has also launched a maritime policy to enhance shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure. With plans for further developments, such as the construction of a deepwater port at Vadhvan and another transhipment port at Great Nicobar Island, India is making steady progress towards establishing itself as a maritime power.

Conclusion

The Vizhinjam International Seaport is poised to play a crucial role in India's ambition to become a global maritime leader. With its strategic location, advanced technological infrastructure, and alignment with the Maritime India Vision 2030, it will enhance India's position in international trade, reduce dependency on foreign ports, and provide a significant boost to the nation's economy. As the port continues to grow and expand, it will undoubtedly become a key player in shaping the future of global maritime trade.

(With inputs from OpIndia and News 18)