India’s first deep-water transshipment port, the ₹8,800 crore Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport, was commissioned in Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. It aims to reduce India’s logistics cost by 30% by improving efficiency and reducing turnaround time. India also plans a shipbuilding and repair cluster in Kochi to support maritime infrastructure.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| First in India | First deep-water transshipment port First semi-automated port First Greenfield port under PPP by a State GovtFirst port with an all-women automated crane operations team |
| Operator | Developed by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (APSEZ) under PPP with Kerala govt |
| Operational Model | Landlord Model: Port authority retains ownership; private operators handle cargo |
| Project Model | DBFOT: Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Transfer |
| Capacity | Phase 1: 1 million TEUs Future capacity: additional 4.5 million TEUs |
| Breakwater | Deepest in India, stretches nearly 3 km |
| Natural Draft | ~20 metres |
| AI Systems | India’s first AI-powered Vessel Traffic Management System (with IIT Madras) Fully automated yard cranesRemotely operated ship-to-shore cranes |
Why Vizhinjam is Important?
Strategic Location:
- Just 10 nautical miles from major international shipping route.
- Ideal for largest container vessels globally.
Reducing Dependence:
- Currently 75% of India’s transshipment handled abroad (Colombo, Singapore, Klang, Dubai).
- India loses $200–220 million annually in transshipment revenue.
- Port aims to reclaim significant share of transshipment traffic.
Global Connectivity:
- Port will directly connect with global hubs like Shanghai, Singapore, Busan.
Multi-modal Infrastructure Planned:
- Direct NH-66 highway connectivity.
- Kerala’s first cloverleaf interchange nearby.
- Upcoming rail link to national railway network.
Benefits
Cost Savings:
- Expected $80–100 per container cost savings.
- Reduces India’s dependency on foreign ports.
Revenue Potential:
- Recovery of $200–220 million annual transshipment revenue.
Enhanced Logistics Efficiency:
- Key component of PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
India’s Maritime Sector
Union Budget introduced new policy to promote large ship construction in India to boost shipbuilding.
India’s maritime sector progress:
- 2 Indian ports ranked in world’s top 30.
- Improved ranking in Logistics Performance Index.
- Among top 20 countries in global shipbuilding.
Other major ports under development:
- Vadhvan deepwater port, Maharashtra (Palghar district).
- Mega transshipment port at Great Nicobar Island (Andaman & Nicobar Islands).