First mother ship received at Vizhinjam deep water container transhipment port

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal received the first mother ship ‘MV San Fernando’ marking the beginning of operation at India’s first deep water container transhipment port in Vizhinjam, Kerala. The ship, with a capacity up to 9000 TEUs, docks at India’s first automated port which offers large scale automation for quick turnaround of vessels including capacity to handle megamax containerships. The Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinari Vijayan was also present on the occasion.

Vizhinjam Port is a strategic maritime project near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. This is the first greenfield port project in India, initiated by a state Government with an investment exceeding Rs 18,000 crores. Developed under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode, it stands as one of the largest initiatives in the country's port sector. Vizhinjam's strategic location near international shipping routes significantly reduces transit times for vessels, making it a pivotal point for maritime trade. As one of India's few natural deep-water ports, it can efficiently accommodate large cargo and container ships. The development of the Vizhinjam International Seaport is poised to boost Kerala's economic growth by creating jobs, enhancing trade, and attracting investments. Ongoing infrastructure projects aim to equip the port with state-of-the-art facilities, including modern container terminals, warehouses, and logistics parks. Vizhinjam is set to become a key player in regional trade, potentially serving as a gateway for commerce between Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.