Thiruvananthapuram: The arrival of Zhen Hua 15, a colossal ship navigating through the East China Sea, marked a historic moment for the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Kerala. Embarking on a 42-day voyage, the vessel delivered a cargo of cranes, symbolizing the culmination of a three-decade-long endeavor for India’s newest mega port.
Fully owned by the Kerala government, the port’s construction is overseen by Adani Vizhinjam Ports Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (APSEZ), India’s leading private sector port operator. Set to achieve full operational status by December 2024, the port aims to handle 18,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containerized cargo initially, with eventual expansion plans to accommodate up to 3 million TEUs.
Representing a monumental undertaking for both governmental and private entities, Vizhinjam stands as Kerala’s first port venture in 96 years, promising significant impetus to commerce and tourism. The central government views the port as a strategic asset, poised to capture a considerable share of the transshipment market, thereby bolstering foreign exchange reserves.
As a container transshipment hub, Vizhinjam facilitates the transfer of cargo from smaller feeder vessels onto larger ships, optimizing freight costs for shipping lines. With its natural depth exceeding 20 meters, a rarity among Indian ports, Vizhinjam offers unparalleled advantages for accommodating large vessels, eliminating the need for costly dredging operations.
Strategically located just 12 nautical miles from the international shipping route, Vizhinjam presents a logistical advantage over many domestic and international ports, ensuring expedited docking procedures for vessels. The port’s proximity to major shipping routes, constituting 30% of global freight traffic, positions it as a pivotal player in international maritime trade.
The port’s significance extends beyond national borders, aligning with Adani Ports’ ambitious vision to emerge as the world’s largest port operator by 2030. Described as the company’s “toughest challenge” to date by Karan Adani, CEO of APSEZ, Vizhinjam represents a strategic foothold for offering integrated supply chain solutions to shipping lines. The project entails a planned investment of ₹20,000 crore by 2030, underscoring its strategic importance within Adani’s portfolio.
With ₹7,700 crore already invested in phase one, including substantial contributions from both the private sector and government, Vizhinjam embodies a collaborative effort towards realizing a transformative maritime infrastructure.
Situated near Kerala’s capital Thiruvananthapuram, Vizhinjam’s current landscape belies its future as a bustling economic center. Evolving into a modern urban hub replete with skyscrapers, financial districts, hotels, highways, and railways, the port’s development promises to reshape Kerala’s coastal dynamics.
The journey to fruition, however, was fraught with challenges and uncertainties. Spanning three decades of bureaucratic hurdles and logistical complexities, Vizhinjam faced numerous obstacles in its path to realization. Yet, through persistent efforts and strategic collaborations, the project garnered momentum, culminating in a definitive concession agreement between the Kerala government and Adani Vizhinjam Ports.
Navigating through environmental concerns, logistical constraints, and local opposition, Vizhinjam’s journey stands as a testament to resilience and determination. As the first ship graces its waters, laden with cargo from China amidst geopolitical complexities, Vizhinjam epitomizes a triumph over adversity, heralding a new era in India’s maritime landscape.