Vizhinjam International Seaport has achieved a major operational milestone by handling over one million TEUs in record time since the start of commercial operations in December 2024, marking a significant boost for India’s maritime and logistics ambitions.
Located just 10 nautical miles from major East-West international shipping routes, the port benefits from a natural draft of 18–20 metres, allowing it to berth ultra-large container vessels without extensive dredging. Since commissioning, Vizhinjam has handled hundreds of vessel calls, including multiple ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs), showcasing its ability to manage high-capacity ships and complex transshipment operations efficiently.
Key operational figures from the port’s first year highlight its rapid ascent:
- 14.6 lakh TEUs handled in 12 months of operations.
- 686 vessels berthed, including 41 ULCVs over 399 metres long.
- 51 ultra large vessels in the span of a year.
- Record container handling on a single vessel: MSC Paloma with 10,576 TEUs.
- Highest monthly crane productivity: 28.52 Gross Crane Rate (GCR).
The rapid rise of Vizhinjam is attributed to modern port infrastructure, advanced ship-to-shore cranes, automated yard systems, and streamlined cargo handling processes that ensure faster turnaround times. Growing confidence among global shipping lines has helped the port emerge as a competitive alternative to foreign transshipment hubs such as Colombo and Singapore.
With capacity expansion plans already underway, including additional berths, yard space, and improved road and rail connectivity, Vizhinjam is expected to scale up operations significantly in the coming years. Once fully developed, the port is poised to play a transformative role in reducing India’s logistics costs, strengthening global trade connectivity, and driving economic growth in Kerala and beyond.
