In a remarkable development for India’s maritime sector, nearly 400 container ships have docked at the Vizhinjam transshipment hub within just one year, according to Kerala Ports Minister V N Vasavan. Marking the first anniversary of the arrival of the inaugural vessel San Fernando on July 11, 2024, the minister highlighted the port’s rapid rise to prominence in a Facebook post.



Since that first docking, a total of 392 ships, including 23 ultra-large vessels, have called at the port. The hub has already handled 8.3 lakh containers, a testament to its operational efficiency and strategic importance. The minister emphasized that Vizhinjam has quickly become the number one port on the south-east coast of India, especially since the commencement of its commercial operations in December 2024.



On May 2, 2025, Vizhinjam Port was formally dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, further solidifying its significance in India’s port infrastructure landscape. The port, developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) under a public-private partnership model, was built at an estimated cost of Rs 8,867 crore.



What sets Vizhinjam apart is not only the volume it has managed to handle in such a short time but also its adoption of advanced technologies such as automation and artificial intelligence (AI). Minister Vasavan noted that the port’s ability to operate at full capacity from day one is a rare accomplishment in the global maritime industry.

Beyond shipping and logistics, Vizhinjam has also made strides in community development. The port has trained local women to become India’s first female automated crane operators, a groundbreaking move for gender inclusion in heavy industries. Additionally, over one lakh people have benefited from the port’s CSR projects, which span health, education, and skill development.



As Vizhinjam Port continues to grow, its impressive achievements over the past year position it as a key player in global transshipment and logistics, reflecting India’s capability to build and operate world-class maritime infrastructure.