Vizhinjam International Seaport emerging as a game-change: CEO Sreekumar Nair

By Admin

27 Jun, 2025

India is on the brink of a maritime revolution, and at the center of this transformation stands the Vizhinjam International Transshipment Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport   a landmark initiative by the Government of Kerala in collaboration with Adani Ports and SEZ Limited (APSEZ). Located in Vizhinjam, near the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram, this project isn’t just another addition to India’s coastline   it’s a future-ready, world-class port that is poised to redefine India’s role in global trade.

India’s First Mega Transshipment Hub

The Vizhinjam Seaport is India’s first ‘mega transshipment container terminal’, a critical move to end India’s overdependence on foreign ports like Colombo and Singapore for transshipment. What sets it apart? Its natural draft of 20 to 24 meters, minimal littoral drift, and proximity to international shipping routes. It is the closest Indian port to the international east-west shipping corridor, making it a highly strategic location on the global trade map.

The arrival of Maersk’s San Fernando, a 300-meter container vessel, in July 2024 marked a new chapter in India’s maritime history   the birth of an automated, globally connected Indian seaport.

Automated & Tech-Driven Port Infrastructure

Vizhinjam is almost 100% automated, setting a benchmark not just in India, but globally. Except for the manual lifting of containers from vessels, every function at the port is managed using cutting-edge IT systems and automation technologies. The infrastructure and container handling systems are on par with Shanghai, the world’s most advanced port, and ahead of major ports like Singapore and Abu Dhabi.

Despite being in a country that has long suffered from fragmented port infrastructure and shallow drafts, Vizhinjam is India’s statement of intent   a symbol of how modern technology, strategic partnerships, and long-term vision can deliver transformational outcomes.

A Strategic Position in Global Trade Routes

Globally, China generates nearly 35-40% of container cargo, with ports like Shanghai and Hong Kong dominating shipping movements. These massive vessels traverse from Chinese coasts through Singapore, the Malacca Strait, and then past Colombo before heading westwards. For decades, Indian ports were bypassed due to insufficient depth and cargo generation.

Vizhinjam disrupts this pattern. With its deepwater capabilities and global connectivity, it is now a direct port of call for large mother vessels, reducing the dependency on foreign transshipment hubs and cutting costs for Indian exporters and importers.

Public-Private Synergy and Global Reach

Vizhinjam is a model of a successful public-private partnership. While the Kerala Government owns the port, its operations are managed by Adani Ports, India’s largest private port operator. This partnership ensures both national oversight and international best practices. The port is already operating at full capacity in its initial phase, with MSC vessels occupying all berths   a powerful endorsement of its global appeal.

Enabling India’s Trade Ambitions

India, with just 2% share in global trade, is aiming to become the third-largest economy by the end of this decade. A robust logistics and port infrastructure is key to achieving this goal. Though currently small in volume compared to giants like Shanghai, Vizhinjam is expected to reach 8% capacity in the next three to four years   a significant leap by Indian standards.

Crucially, the Government of India is now actively addressing the infrastructure gap through policy reforms and connectivity projects, ensuring that Vizhinjam isn’t just an island of excellence but a hub connected to the broader national supply chain.

Green, Clean & Future-Ready

Sustainability is at the core of Vizhinjam’s development. While bunkering services and cargo exit operations are being phased in, there’s a clear vision to adopt LNG and cleaner fuels, with the goal of moving toward green hydrogen in the long term. Decarbonization will be key to ensuring the port’s alignment with global climate goals.

Building a New Maritime Ecosystem

Historically, Indian ports like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai have benefited from centuries of development and support ecosystems. In contrast, Vizhinjam has sprung up in a location with no maritime legacy   yet it is set to become India’s maritime gateway to the world. The surrounding ecosystem   industrial clusters, land-side connectivity, customs infrastructure   is being rapidly developed to support the port’s operations and growth.

India’s Gateway to the World

As CEO Sreekumar Nair aptly puts it, "This is not just a port, it’s India’s gateway to the world." Vizhinjam is more than a maritime infrastructure project   it’s a national ambition in action, a game changer that will redefine how India trades, connects, and competes on the global stage.

With the potential to alter the trade dynamics of an entire subcontinent, the Vizhinjam International Seaport is setting sail towards a future where India is no longer a bystander in global shipping, but a central player.