The Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Kerala has been formally inaugurated, with a reported investment of INR 88 billion. Developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd, the facility is India’s first dedicated container transshipment port and aims to reduce reliance on foreign ports such as Colombo, Singapore, and Jebel Ali for handling Indian cargo.
The port features a natural draft of 18–20 meters just 1 kilometer offshore, allowing the docking of large “mother vessels” with up to 24,000 containers without requiring dredging. It is situated 10 nautical miles from a major global east-west shipping route and is supported by proximity to inland transport infrastructure: 2 kilometers from a national highway, 12 kilometers from a rail line, and 15 kilometers from Trivandrum International Airport.
According to official estimates, domestic handling of transshipment containers at Vizhinjam could save approximately USD 80–100 per container, potentially recouping USD 200–220 million annually. At present, around 75% of India’s transshipped cargo is routed through foreign ports.
Ownership of the port is divided among the Kerala state government (61.5%), Adani Group (28.9%), and the central government (9.6%).
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has set an ambitious target of handling 5 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually at the newly inaugurated Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport by 2028. Speaking at the inauguration, Managing Director Karan Adani called it a “historic day,” underscoring the port’s strategic value in reshaping India’s role in global maritime logistics.
He further stated that the port is expected to reach 90% capacity utilization within the next three years and deliver a 70% margin on the prevailing per-container shipping cost of USD 40, according to a report by NDTV Profit.
With a natural draft exceeding 20 meters and a location just 10 nautical miles from key east-west trade routes, Vizhinjam is positioned to capture a significant share of transshipment volumes currently routed through Colombo, Singapore, and Port Klang. The launch of operations marks a significant milestone for APSEZ, reinforcing its leadership as India’s largest private port operator and signaling its growing stature in the Indian Ocean shipping ecosystem.
During the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced plans to establish a shipbuilding and repair cluster in Kochi. According to him, “This cluster will create numerous new employment opportunities, providing Kerala’s local talent and youth with a platform for growth.” He also stated that a new policy introduced in the current Union Budget would promote large ship construction in India and benefit small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
India is concurrently working on additional port infrastructure, including a deep-water port at Vadhavan in Maharashtra and a proposed transshipment hub in Great Nicobar Island, as part of a broader strategy to expand its role in regional maritime trade.
Over the past decade, according to the Prime Minister, the number of registered Indian seafarers increased from under 125,000 to over 325,000. Port turnaround times have also reportedly reduced by 30%, contributing to enhanced logistics performance.
In related news, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has set an ambitious target of handling 5 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually at the newly inaugurated Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport by 2028. Speaking at the inauguration, Managing Director Karan Adani called it a “historic day,” underscoring the port’s strategic value in reshaping India’s role in global maritime logistics.
“We are grateful to the Central and State Governments, and the administration and people of Kerala, especially Thiruvananthapuram, for their support in making this port stand as a testament to India’s strategic and bold maritime ambitions,” Adani said.
He further stated that the port is expected to reach 90% capacity utilization within the next three years and deliver a 70% margin on the prevailing per-container shipping cost of USD 40, according to a report by NDTV Profit.
With a natural draft exceeding 20 meters and a location just 10 nautical miles from key east-west trade routes, Vizhinjam is positioned to capture a significant share of transshipment volumes currently routed through Colombo, Singapore, and Port Klang. The launch of operations marks a significant milestone for APSEZ, reinforcing its leadership as India’s largest private port operator and signaling its growing stature in the Indian Ocean shipping ecosystem.
Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (APSEZ) is one of India’s private sector port operators, involved in port management, logistics, and infrastructure development. It manages multiple port assets along India’s coastline and is engaged in ongoing expansion projects to support maritime trade and related industries.