Dubai-based Sharaf Group to develop an inland container terminal at Vizhinjam.
Vizhinjam International Seaport is set to receive a ₹5,000 crore investment from Dubai-based Sharaf Group to develop an inland container terminal, boosting regional trade and logistics. Construction will begin once the state government provides land, with procedures already underway.
This investment, first committed at the Vizhinjam Conclave in January, was formalised through an Expression of Interest (EoI) at the Invest Kerala summit. The Sharaf Group, which operates one of India’s largest ICDs in Delhi with 47 rail connections nationwide, is expected to attract further global investors to Vizhinjam.
Additionally, 12 companies have shown interest in projects ranging from₹50 crore to ₹5,000 crore, aligning with Vizhinjam’s expansion plans. The port has also been included in MSC’s Jade Service (JADE), making it a key hub in South Asia for the world’s largest shipping company.
With trial runs completed, Vizhinjam is ready for full-scale operations, having handled 3.98 lakh TEUs and welcomed its 200th vessel, AS Alva. The first MSC Jade Service vessel, MSC Mia, a 400m ship with 22,000 TEU capacity, is expected to dock soon, further cementing Vizhinjam’s global significance.
Source: Indian Express
