Adani's Vizhinjam Port exceeds expectations, handles 1 million TEUs in under a year

Thiruvananthapuram: In less than nine months since starting commercial operations, Vizhinjam International Seaport has handled over 1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

The achievement by the port operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) not only surpasses initial projections but has also redefined India's maritime map.

At a ceremony held at the port to commemorate the milestone, Kerala's Minister for Ports V N Vasavan said the Vizhinjam Port had handled 1 million TEUs within just nine months of beginning commercial operations. "This is a proud moment for Kerala and India as an emerging maritime power." He added that the second phase of the port project will begin soon, and road connectivity will also be built.

Since its launch on December 3, 2024, Vizhinjam port has handled over 460 vessels, including 26 ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) measuring up to 400 metres. The port was expected to operate at just 30 per cent of its 1 million TEU capacity in the first year, but it has already reached full capacity in record time.

Vizhinjam’s performance is on par with some of the world’s top ports, particularly in its ability to handle larger parcel exchanges per vessel compared to Indian benchmarks. A notable example is the MSC Paloma, where the port achieved a record-breaking exchange of 10,576 TEUs- setting a new benchmark in India.

This, port officials say, reflects meticulous planning, optimised crane deployment, and high berth utilisation, all of which are crucial for sustaining growth in container traffic. Backed by APSEZ's track record of operational discipline, Vizhinjam is quickly becoming South India’s largest container terminal by TEUs handled within its very first year.

Vizhinjam's success is rooted in both geography and technology. Located close to the main East-West shipping routes, it allows vessels to reduce transit times and costs significantly. Its natural draft of 18.5 metres means even the largest ULCVs can dock without the need for dredging- a rarity among global deep-water ports.

Complementing its natural advantages is a robust technological backbone. The port operates with 8 STC (ship-to-shore) cranes and 24 automated CRMG (cantilever rail-mounted gantry) cranes, supported by AI (artificial intelligence)- and IoT (Internet of Things)-enabled systems for real-time cargo tracking. Full automation ensures precision, faster vessel turnaround times and scalability to absorb future growth without major upgrades.

Industry sources told PTI that the rapid scale-up at Vizhinjam is shifting trade dynamics. By offering direct connectivity to Europe, the US, Africa and the Far East, the port eliminates the need for Indian cargo to be transshipped through foreign hubs.

With EXIM (export-import) operations set to commence in the fourth quarter of this financial year, the port is poised to unlock new trade opportunities, further boosting its role as a southern gateway for global commerce.

(With inputs from PTI)