Adani Ports plans a Rs 10,000 crore investment in Vizhinjam port, Kerala, to boost transshipment and attract global container lines by 2028.
Billionaire Gautam Adani-led Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) is reportedly planning to ramp up its investment to Rs 10,000 crore (approximately $1.2 billion) to enhance its transshipment container port in Vizhinjam, Kerala. This substantial investment marks the first-of-its-kind for Vizhinjam port and is part of the second phase of the project, which is expected to be completed by 2028.
According to a report by Bloomberg, Adani is targeting some of the world’s largest container lines, such as MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co., AP Moller-Maersk A/S, and Hapag-Lloyd, to call at the port. This strategic move aims to position Vizhinjam as a key player in global trade routes and attract significant maritime traffic.
Despite the ambitious plans, shares of Adani Ports edged lower on Thursday, settling at Rs 1,484.55 on the BSE, down 0.19 percent. However, the stock has shown impressive growth, climbing 41.65 percent year-to-date and 105.02 percent in the past year.
Recently, the port welcomed ‘San Fernando,’ a Maersk vessel carrying over 2,000 containers. The ship was greeted with a traditional water salute and successfully berthed. Gautam Adani celebrated the occasion on social media, calling it a “historic day” that marks India’s entry into global transshipment and highlights Vizhinjam’s future importance in maritime logistics.
The funds for the Vizhinjam port, which was inaugurated in October last year, will be used to extend the existing berth and the breakwater—a rock barrier protecting the harbour from waves. Additionally, the Vizhinjam terminal will have bunkering facilities for fueling ships, plans to acquire more cranes to boost capacity, and a cruise terminal capable of accommodating large luxury liners.
India is striving for a larger share of international maritime trade, which is currently dominated by countries like China. Due to insufficiently deep harbours, big containers often bypass India in favor of ports in Colombo, Dubai, and Singapore. This significant investment in Vizhinjam port aims to change that dynamic, attracting larger vessels and boosting India’s role in global shipping.
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