Adani Ports opens Vizhinjam deep-sea port for business

Saturday, 3 May 2025 00:50 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) with Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani at the launch of deepwater seaport terminal in Vizhinjam in Kerala

India will reduce dependence on foreign ports like Colombo and Dubai
Exporters will benefit from 30-40% lower shipping costs

After over three decades of delays and hurdles, the long-awaited Vizhinjam International Deepwater Seaport was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday.

Built by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd., this strategic port in Kerala is set to be a game-changer for India’s maritime trade.

The project’s origins date back to 1991, with failed attempts to kickstart it in 1995, 2004, 2008, and 2010. It wasn’t until 2015 that a breakthrough came, when the Kerala Government signed a PPP agreement with Adani Ports, granting the company a 40-year concession.

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Despite the vision, the execution wasn’t easy. The port’s construction faced: Destruction by Cyclone Ockhi in 2017; Shortages of key materials like limestone; Protests over coastal erosion and livelihood fears and pandemic-related disruptions.

Still, the Adani Group persisted, and by July 2024, the port handled its first ship during trial operations. It has since welcomed over 280 vessels, including ultra-large ships like MSC Claude Girarde and MSC Türkiye, handling more than 600,000 TEUs in total.

Strategically located near the east–west global shipping route, Vizhinjam can handle next-generation vessels with a draft of up to 20 meters, thanks to its natural 18m sea depth. It features automated port operations, AI-based vessel tracking, and massive cranes, making it India’s most modern container port.

The port’s benefits are expected to be transformative: India will reduce its dependence on foreign ports like Colombo and Dubai; Exporters will benefit from 30-40% lower shipping costs; and Local economy to receive a major boost with 5,000+ job opportunities.

With plans to ramp up capacity to 5 million TEUs by 2028, the port will attract more global traffic and push India closer to becoming a leading maritime hub.

The Adani Group has already invested ₹ 4,500 crore and plans to infuse ₹ 20,000 crore more in future phases, further cementing Vizhinjam’s role as a cornerstone of India’s port infrastructure. (Source: https://www.newsx.com/india/vizhinjam-port-opens-new-horizons-for-indian-shipping-from-delays-to-global-gateway/#)