Vizhinjam Seaport Milestone: India Welcomes San Fernand

The arrival of San Fernand at Vizhinjam International Seaport marks a key development, indicating India's growing maritime prowess under PM Modi's leadership. The port, developed via a public-private partnership, is set to boost the nation's global maritime standings.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced on Thursday that the arrival of the vessel San Fernand at Vizhinjam International Seaport represents a significant development for India. 'This is a positive step for the country,' Sonowal stated, adding that India's maritime ambitions under Prime Minister Modi's leadership are poised to position the nation as a global leader. Creating world-class port facilities to accommodate various vessel types is key to achieving this goal. Plans are underway to develop similar ports in Maharashtra and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands on both the East and West coasts to facilitate global access.

Prior to commencing commercial operations, the San Fernando, ferrying more than 1,000 containers, is currently moored at the port for testing purposes. Developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), Vizhinjam International Seaport is an Rs 8,867 crore project. The Kerala state government contributed Rs 5,595 crore, while the central government pitched in Rs 818 crore. The port's construction began in 2016 under a public-private partnership.

The Vizhinjam International Port project, initiated in 2015, was driven by a public-private partnership model. On August 17, 2015, the Kerala government signed a concession agreement with Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd (AVPPL) to develop and operate this deepwater multipurpose port, with construction officially starting on December 5. The vessel, carrying over 1,000 containers, anchors at the port as part of its trial run ahead of commercial operations. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced on social media platform X that a grand celebration is scheduled for July 12 to welcome the San Fernando, marking a historic moment in Kerala's maritime history. Vijayan commended the Adani Group for successfully completing the project, describing Vizhinjam Port as a prime example of the potential in public-private partnerships and calling it a new era of progress for Kerala.