Commonwealth _ Vizhinjam International Seaport, India’s first semi-automated container port, is poised to welcome its inaugural container vessel from Maersk on July 11. This trial run, part of the final preparations for the port’s operational debut, will see the MV San Fernando, a ship hailing from Xiamen Port in China, arriving with a capacity of 8000-9000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units). The vessel will unload approximately 2000 containers and re-arrange another 400 containers at the 800-meter container berth.
The ₹7500 crore project represents a significant economic infrastructure initiative promoted by the Kerala Government in partnership with Adani Group through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This collaboration led to the formation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) named Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Ltd (AVPPL). AVPPL entered into a concession agreement with Kerala Ports Department on August 17, 2015, and construction commenced on December 5, 2015.
Upcoming Developments and Trial Runs
According to Divya S. Iyer, Managing Director of Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd (VISL), more container ships will be berthed over the next three months. The port’s commissioning is anticipated in September or October, contingent upon the success of these trial operations and the stabilization of performance parameters.
The primary focus of Vizhinjam is to handle transshipment containers. Achieving commercial success in transshipment operations requires high precision and stringent performance metrics. The port aims to adhere to global standards in key areas such as dwell times, vessel turnaround, berth productivity, vehicle service time, ship handling productivity, and quay crane productivity.
Given the semi-automated nature of the port, standard testing procedures using dummy vessels and containers are deemed insufficient. Therefore, real container vessels and actual cargo will be used during trial runs to ensure that the port meets the desired key performance indicators. The initial trial will utilize the first 600 meters of the berth, which is already completed and equipped with Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes.
Economic Impact and Strategic Importance
Binu K.S., President of the Kerala Steamer Agents Association, emphasized the significance of competitive tariff structures for both ships and containers. He expressed optimism about the new facility, highlighting its state-of-the-art equipment, advanced technology, and natural draught as game-changing features. He noted that cargoes originating from and destined for Chittagong and Eastern India would benefit significantly from transshipment through Vizhinjam, providing much-needed relief.
Vizhinjam International Seaport is expected to play a crucial role in the region’s economic development. The port’s strategic location and advanced capabilities are poised to make it a central hub for transshipment in the Indian Ocean, thereby enhancing trade connectivity and efficiency. The port’s infrastructure includes modern equipment and technologies designed to handle large volumes of cargo with high efficiency, positioning it as a competitive player in the global shipping industry.
The successful integration of these features will be critical for Vizhinjam’s ability to attract major shipping lines and establish itself as a preferred transshipment hub. The use of advanced automation and cutting-edge technologies will enable the port to offer high productivity rates, reduce turnaround times, and deliver superior service to shipping companies and cargo owners.
Long-Term Vision and Future Prospects
The long-term vision for Vizhinjam involves establishing it as a leading transshipment hub in the region, capable of handling large volumes of container traffic and facilitating seamless trade flows. The port’s development is aligned with the broader economic goals of Kerala and India, aiming to boost trade, create jobs, and drive economic growth.
As the port prepares for its official commissioning, the focus will remain on ensuring that all performance parameters are met and that the infrastructure is fully capable of supporting high-volume operations. The successful completion of trial runs with real container vessels will be a significant milestone, paving the way for full-scale commercial operations.
