Vizhinjam Seaport Inaugurates with Trial Run of First Cargo Vessel

Kerala's Vizhinjam sea port marked its operational commencement with the trial run of the first cargo vessel, inaugurating its international deep-water trans-shipment port. The project, spearheaded by Adani Ports, aims to become fully functional by 2028, significantly ahead of its original 2045 schedule, promising economic growth and technological advancements.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced the start of operations at Vizhinjam sea port following the trial run of its first cargo vessel. The 300-meter-long Chinese mothership 'San Fernando' was formally welcomed in a ceremony attended by high-profile dignitaries, including Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

The port, developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) in a public-private partnership at a cost of Rs 8,867 crore, aims to become a full-fledged operation by 2028, far ahead of its initial 2045 timeline. Addressing the gathering, Vijayan highlighted the port's strategic location and its potential to boost Kerala's economic landscape significantly.

The port, situated 11 nautical miles from international shipping lanes and with a natural depth of 20 meters, promises to transform Kerala into a hub of container business. Equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, once fully operational by late 2024, Vizhinjam will be India's first semi-automated port, enhancing both national and regional maritime capabilities.