Thiruvananthapuram: Vizhinjam International Port, developed and operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), achieved an unprecedented milestone. On Tuesday, the container ship MSC Verona, with a draft of 17.1 meters, arrived at Vizhinjam Port, setting a national record for the deepest draft container ship ever in India.
This historic event coincides with MSC Verona becoming the 500th vessel to serve at Vizhinjam Port – a major achievement within just 10 months of the port’s commencement of commercial operations in December 2024. Of the 500 vessels handled at Vizhinjam Port, 28 are Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs), the highest number ever recorded at a single Indian port. In this short period, Vizhinjam Port has already handled 1.1 million TEUs (twenty equivalent units), far exceeding its initially estimated annual capacity. These figures underscore the port’s strategic importance in India’s maritime infrastructure and its growing role in navigating global trade.
With a natural depth of 18-20 meters and minimal coastal drift, Vizhinjam Port is accommodating the world’s largest container ships. Its capabilities are rapidly transforming it into India’s leading deepwater transshipment hub, seamlessly connecting the country to major international trade routes and strengthening its presence in the global shipping industry. Vizhinjam Port’s achievements reflect India’s emerging maritime potential and how world-class infrastructure and strategic planning are opening up new opportunities for commerce, trade, and connectivity. As the port scales new heights, it further strengthens India’s position as a major gateway into the global shipping and trade network.
V.N. Vasavan, Kerala’s Ports Minister, stated in a social media post that the arrival of 500 ships at Vizhinjam International Port in such a short period of time reflects the port’s growing importance in global cargo traffic. He highlighted that this remarkable achievement has been achieved in just 10 months since the port commenced commercial operations in December 2024, emphasizing the vital role of Vizhinjam Port in India’s maritime infrastructure.
