Vizhinjam Port to Outshine Colombo and Singapore in Global Trans-shipment

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced that the international deep-water trans-shipment port at Vizhinjam, Kerala, will provide strong competition to ports in Colombo and Singapore. Highlighting its strategic location and deep-draft capabilities, Sonowal emphasized the port's potential to handle mega-size container vessels, fostering a positive shift in international trans-shipment cargo.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday said that the international deep-water trans-shipment port at Vizhinjam here will offer a stiff competition to similar ports in Colombo and Singapore.

Sonowal highlighted Vizhinjam's locational advantage, being close to international shipping lanes and its deep-draft capabilities, making it a preferred option for trans-shipment.

According to Sonowal, the port's ability to service mega-size container vessels could lead to a positive shift in the international trans-shipment cargo from Colombo and Singapore to Vizhinjam soon.

This port will offer a viable alternative to major shipping lanes, helping to mitigate disruption in the global supply chain, said the minister during the welcome ceremony for the first cargo vessel at the port.

The 300-meter-long Chinese mothership 'San Fernando', which docked at the port developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), was formally welcomed by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan with Sonowal in attendance.

Sonowal emphasized the port's potential to place India at the pinnacle of the maritime map, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for world-class port facilities.

The project demonstrates a successful public-private partnership (PPP) model between the Centre, state government, and the private sector, unleashing the maritime sector's potential.

Equipped with modern equipment and advanced automation and IT systems, Vizhinjam is set to become India's first semi-automated port, expected to be fully commissioned by September or October 2024.

The project, initially scheduled for a 2019 debut, faced delays due to land acquisition issues, natural calamities, and the Covid-19 pandemic.