Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is poised to be India’s first deep-water container transhipment port. Read here to learn more.
The project aims to establish a key maritime hub capable of handling large container ships and boosting India’s maritime trade capabilities.
This is a testament to the vision of ‘Make in India’ where a PPP collaboration among Govt. of Kerala, Govt. of India and the Adani Port SEZ has created an asset for the growth of India’s maritime sector.
Vizhinjam: India’s First Deep Water Container Transhipment Port
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 ₹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.
Key Features of the port
- Strategic Location: Positioned close to the international shipping routes, Vizhinjam port offers a strategic advantage for transhipment. Its location is ideal for serving the maritime trade routes between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
- Depth and Capacity: The port features a natural depth of 20 meters, allowing it to accommodate large container vessels without the need for extensive dredging. This depth makes it one of the deepest ports in India, capable of handling the new generation of mega container ships.
- Infrastructure and Facilities: The port will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including advanced cranes, storage areas, and efficient cargo handling systems. The infrastructure aims to support seamless and efficient transhipment operations.
- Economic Impact: Vizhinjam port is expected to significantly boost India’s maritime trade by reducing dependency on foreign ports for trans
- Connectivity: The port will have robust connectivity with major highways and rail networks, facilitating smooth inland transportation of goods. This connectivity is crucial for the integration of the port with the national logistics network.
Significance
- Reduced Transhipment Costs: By serving as a transhipment hub, Vizhinjam Port will reduce the costs and time associated with transhipping Indian cargo through foreign ports like Colombo, Dubai, and Singapore.
- Boost to Local Economy: The port is expected to create employment opportunities and stimulate economic development in the surrounding regions.
- Strategic Maritime Position: Establishing a major transhipment hub in Vizhinjam enhances India’s strategic maritime position and its influence in international trade.
Why in the news?
The Vizhinjam port project is being developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with the Government of Kerala.
The project has faced delays due to environmental concerns and local opposition but has made significant progress recently.
July 2024: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri 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 of up to 9000 TEUs, docks at India’s first automated port which is equipped with state of the art that offers large-scale automation for quick turnaround of vessels including the capacity to handle megamax containerships.
Deep Water Container Transhipment Ports
A deep-water container transhipment port is a specialized maritime facility designed to handle large container ships that operate on major shipping routes.
These ports serve as hubs where containers are transferred between ships, facilitating the redistribution of cargo to smaller vessels or different routes, and enhancing global trade efficiency.
- Deep Water Access: These ports are located in deep water areas to accommodate large container ships, such as Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs), which require significant depth to dock.
- Strategic Location: They are typically situated at strategic points along major shipping routes to minimize deviation distances for large ships and optimize cargo distribution.
- Advanced Infrastructure: Equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure including extensive berth facilities, large container yards, and high-capacity cranes for efficient loading and unloading operations.
- High Throughput Capacity: Designed to handle large volumes of container traffic, ensuring quick turnaround times and high levels of productivity.
- Intermodal Connectivity: Well-connected to other modes of transportation such as rail, road, and air, facilitating smooth onward transportation of containers to their final destinations.
Examples of Deep Water Container Transhipment Ports:
- Singapore Port: One of the world’s busiest transhipment hubs, strategically located at the crossroads of major shipping routes.
- Port of Colombo (Sri Lanka): Serving as a major transhipment hub in South Asia, with extensive facilities for handling large container vessels.
- Port of Tanjung Pelepas (Malaysia): Known for its deep water berths and high capacity for container handling.
Conclusion
Vizhinjam International Seaport is set to transform India’s maritime landscape by providing a modern, deep-water port facility that can handle large container ships and serve as a major transhipment hub.
This project will not only enhance India’s trade capabilities but also contribute significantly to regional economic development.
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-Article by Swathi Satish
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