Kerala’s industrial community is celebrating as Vizhinjam International Seaport reaches a remarkable milestone handling its 500th ship. The port has also set two records in a single day, highlighting its rapid rise as a key player in India’s maritime sector.
Record-Breaking Container Ship Berth
Early today, the MSC Verona, the container ship with the deepest draft ever handled in India, berthed smoothly at Vizhinjam. With a draft of 17.1 meters—the distance from the ship’s bottom to the water level—the MSC Verona surpassed the previous Indian record of 17 meters, marking a new national benchmark.
Dual Records in One Day
Vizhinjam continues to grow steadily, setting multiple milestones at every stage. State Port Minister V.N. Vasavan noted that seeing the “Vizhinjam – Thiruvananthapuram – Kerala – India” tagline on the global maritime map fills every Malayali with pride.
Strategic Importance in Global Shipping
The arrival of 500 ships in such a short time is a testament to Vizhinjam’s growing significance in global cargo movement. Since commencing commercial operations in December 2024, the port has handled this impressive volume in just ten months.
Ultra Large Container Ships
Of the 500 ships handled, 30 were Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs), making Vizhinjam the first port in India to manage so many massive ships.
Impressive Cargo Throughput
Vizhinjam has surpassed 1.1 million TEUs in cargo handled so far, demonstrating its strategic importance in India’s maritime infrastructure. With natural depths of 18–20 meters and minimal shore restrictions, Vizhinjam is quickly emerging as a major transshipment hub in the country.
