Vizhinjam Port Welcomes First Mothership, Elevates India into Global Port League
The first mothership of Adani Group's Vizhinjam Port, located near the famous Kovalam Beach in Kerala, is going to be a landfall moment. With the plus 2,000 containers capacity, it is almost certain that it will push India into the global port business and possibly put the port at world ranking 6 or 7.
It was given the traditional water salute at its arrival, marking its successful berthing. Attending the historic moment were key dignitaries, including State Ports Minister V.N. Vasavan and officials of Adani Port. An official function is scheduled on Friday. Likely to attend the inauguration are Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and APSEZ Managing Director Karan Adani.
Full-fledged operations are now under way as the completion of the first phase, marked by a 3,000-meter breakwater and an 800-meter container berth of the port, draws to a close. The majority of a total 32 cranes required are stationed, and entire infrastructure-related, such as the 1.7 km approach road, the office buildings, security facilities, and electric lines, is ready and already working.
Vizhinjam Port shall be India's first semi-automated container terminal, with a vision to become an international bunkering hub with a variety of eco-friendly fuels, including hydrogen and ammonia. Its location just 10 nautical miles from the international shipping lanes joining Europe via the Persian Gulf and the Far East gives it enormous global accessibility.
The second and third phases would be completed in 2028 to make it one of the greenest ports in the world. Commercial operations are set to kick-start this shortly. Vizhinjam Port is sure to become a key port of call in India's maritime ambitions and the global trade landscape.
