Vizhinjam International Seaport: India’s Maritime Gateway

Why in News?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ₹8,867 crore Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

• It marks India’s first deep-water, semi-automated container transshipment port, operational under Phase 1.

• The port aims to reduce India’s dependence on foreign transshipment hubs and position India as a key player in global maritime trade.

Context

• Currently, ~75% of India’s transshipped cargo is handled by foreign ports like Colombo, Singapore, Klang.

• India seeks to establish a domestic transshipment hub to capture this trade and reduce costs.

• Vizhinjam’s commissioning aligns with India’s Sagarmala Programme to promote port-led economic growth and regional development.

Introduction

• Vizhinjam is located in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala.

• Positioned just 10 nautical miles from key international shipping lanes.

• Offers a natural draft of 20 metres, enabling docking of Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs).

• Designed as a hub port for transshipment, logistics, and maritime trade in South Asia.

Historical and Strategic Significance

• Historically known as Rajendra Chola Pattinam during the Chola dynasty.

• Lost prominence under colonial shift to Madras and Cochin ports.

• First study commissioned by Travancore State in 1940s; project realized after 80 years.

• Geographically closest Indian port to international shipping lanes, enabling competition with Colombo and Singapore.

Phase 1 Development and Key Features

• Built under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) at ₹8,867 crore:

  • ₹5,595 crore – Kerala Government

  • ₹2,454 crore – Adani Ports (concessionaire)

  • ₹817.8 crore – Viability Gap Funding (Union Government)

• Highlights:

  • 20m natural depth

  • Semi-automated operations with women crane operators trained at community skill park

  • Operational from July 2024; commercial operations began December 2024

• Achievements:

  • Target: 1 lakh TEUs/year → Actual: 6 lakh TEUs handled in initial months

  • 280 vessels docked; 1.08 lakh TEUs handled in March 2025

Global Engagement and Milestones

• Integrated into MSC’s Jade and Dragon shipping services.

• Key milestones:

  • Docked MSC Claude Girardet (24,116 TEUs) – South Asia’s largest container ship

  • Handled 10,330 containers from MSC Anna in a single visit (Indian port record)

  • MSC Irina, world’s largest container ship, expected in May 2025

Future Expansion Plans (Phases 2 & 3)

• Completion target advanced to 2028 (originally 2045).

• Planned upgrades:

  • Capacity increase: 1 million → 4.87 million TEUs

  • Berth length: 1,200m → 2,000m

  • Additional investment: ₹20,000 crore

• Environmental clearance granted – March 2025

• Featured at World Economic Forum 2025, Invest Kerala Global Summit

Operational Challenges

• Pending approval for Integrated Check Post (ICP) from Union Home Ministry.

• Delays in ship handling due to lack of adequate support systems (e.g., 40 ships awaiting in Feb 2025).

• Customs office opened recently; Port Health Office still awaited.

• Last-mile connectivity and allied infrastructure require strengthening.

Associated Economic and Industrial Initiatives

• Kerala Government initiatives:

  • Vizhinjam Development Zone and industrial corridor

  • Business centers near the port

  • Appointing a dedicated IAS officer for Vizhinjam Economic Growth Corridor

  • Promotion of shipbuilding, logistics, warehousing, clean bunkering (hydrogen, ammonia)

• ANERT exploring green hydrogen and wave energy initiatives

Vision for Port-Led Growth

• Proposal to declare Vizhinjam as a Special Investment Region (SIR).

• Draft SIR Bill focuses on:

  • Creating a Special Economic Zone (SEZ)

  • Ensuring compensation and rehabilitation for landowners

  • Adopting global best practices (e.g., Shenzhen SEZ model)

• Concerns:

  • Viability Gap Funding repayment may increase from ₹817.8 crore → ₹10,000 crore

  • Proposed Colachel port may affect Vizhinjam’s viability

Conclusion

Vizhinjam International Seaport represents a strategic step toward self-reliance in maritime trade, reducing dependency on foreign ports. Its success depends on effective state-centre coordination, addressing operational bottlenecks, and leveraging global shipping partnerships to establish India as a regional maritime leader.