Vizhinjam Port marks a major milestone with 400 ship arrivals and 8.3 lakh containers handled in just one year.
Kerala’s Vizhinjam International Seaport has recorded a major milestone, welcoming nearly 400 vessels in just one year since the arrival of its first ship, San Fernando, on July 11, 2024. The announcement was made by Kerala Ports Minister V. N. Vasavan, who took to Facebook to commemorate the port’s one-year journey.
Sharing the impressive figures, the minister revealed that 392 ships, including 23 ultra-large vessels, have docked at the port in the past 12 months. In that time, over 8.3 lakh containers have been handled, a feat that underscores Vizhinjam’s emergence as a serious player in India’s maritime landscape.
Since the launch of commercial operations in December 2024, Vizhinjam has surged ahead to become the leading port on India’s southeast coast, according to the minister. The port, dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2, 2025, is being seen as a symbol of India’s growing strength in global logistics.
Highlighting the port’s readiness, Vasavan noted that Vizhinjam was able to operate at full capacity from day one—a rarity in the global shipping industry. “This proves that India has the capability to run world-class ports using cutting-edge automation and AI technologies,” he said.
Vizhinjam has also made social impact a cornerstone of its operations. In a pioneering move, local women from the Vizhinjam community were trained to become India’s first female automated crane operators. Moreover, the port’s CSR initiatives have reached over one lakh people, supporting projects in healthcare, education, and skill development.
Developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) under a public-private partnership, Vizhinjam Port was built at an estimated cost of Rs 8,867 crore. Its performance in the first year not only reflects efficient planning and execution but also positions it as a key transshipment hub for the region.
As the port looks ahead, this first anniversary serves as a proud moment, not just for Kerala, but for India’s maritime ambitions on the global stage.
Source: ET
