India’s first semi-automated transshipment hub promises to transform Kerala into a gateway for global maritime trade
Maritime News, Thiruvananthapuram : India is set to mark a historic maritime milestone as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate the Vizhinjam International Seaport to the nation on May 2, 2025 at 11:00 AM, confirmed Kerala Port and Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan.
With this, Kerala is poised to emerge as a global leader in marine logistics, anchoring India’s ambitions in international shipping and trade.
India’s First Semi-Automated Port Rises in the South
Vizhinjam is South Asia’s first semi-automated deep-sea port, rapidly evolving into a vital commercial hub since the commencement of trial operations in July 2024 and commercial services in December 2024.
- Over 263 vessels have docked at Vizhinjam within its first year of operation.
- The port has already handled 5.36 lakh TEUs, outperforming older ports in cargo throughput during February–March 2025.
- It currently moves over 1 lakh TEUs per month, placing it among India’s top-performing maritime terminals.
The port recently berthed the MSC Turkiye, the largest container ship ever to dock at an Indian port, and launched the MSC Jade Service, a regular route connecting Vizhinjam directly to Europe.
Commercial Momentum and Strategic Shifts
With the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) agreement now completed, Vizhinjam has finalized all components of Phase I operations.
Key financial and structural developments include:
- Revenue-sharing agreement to benefit Kerala from 2034 onwards
- Full-scale construction completion expected by 2028, in four phases
- Once fully operational, the port is projected to handle 3 million TEUs annually
The investment required for this next phase is estimated at ₹10,000 crore, which will be entirely borne by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd.
Logistics Infrastructure to Power Kerala’s Growth
Minister Vasavan emphasized that Vizhinjam will not just serve Kerala but act as a centralized cargo redistribution hub for the entire Indian coastline.
Connectivity upgrades underway include:
- Ring Road and Outer Area Growth Corridor Projects in collaboration with NHAI
- Vizhinjam-Kollam-Punalur industrial triangle to support growth in logistics, manufacturing, and commerce
- Planned development of logistics parks and industrial zones in southern Kerala districts
The region from Vizhinjam to Navaikkulam will see 2.5 km-wide commercial corridors flanking major highways, radically reshaping the economic profile of Thiruvananthapuram and beyond.
A Strategic Shift in India’s Maritime Landscape
By establishing Vizhinjam as a centralized national port, cargo that would previously transit through foreign ports such as Colombo or Dubai will now be routed domestically, keeping value within India.
This will:
- Reduce shipping costs
- Improve export timelines
- Position India as a major transshipment and logistics power
Minister’s Vision: “From Kerala to the World”
Minister Vasavan proudly declared,
“Vizhinjam is not just a port. It is Kerala’s gateway to the global ocean economy. With full connectivity, it will unlock enormous industrial, commercial and employment potential. The transformation of Kerala begins with Vizhinjam.”
With its deep draft, direct global routes, and cutting-edge automation, Vizhinjam is more than a port—it is India’s maritime reset button.
May 2, 2025, will mark not just the inauguration of infrastructure but the beginning of a bold new era for Indian shipping.
