Nearly 280 locals from fishing community operate Vizhinjam Port
PORTS & SHIPPING

Nearly 280 locals from fishing community operate Vizhinjam Port

A few years ago, Maria Abraham was fishing in small boats; now, he assists in mooring large container ships at Vizhinjam International Seaport, which is set to commence operations in December. Approximately 280 individuals from the local fishing community are employed at the Adani Ports-managed transshipment facility, handling various tasks such as piloting ships, managing containers, and operating machinery, all thanks to extensive training and their sea experience.

During a recent strong ocean swell, their skills were put to the test as they efficiently secured and shifted ships. State Ports Minister VN Vasavan noted that 56% of the port's workforce is sourced from the local community, satisfying a clause in the agreement with Adani Ports, which has a total of 511 employees.

"I completed a month-long training in Kochi focused on mooring operations, which included practical experience at Kochi port. The work here feels manageable due to my familiarity with the sea, and it's rewarding to have a fulfilling job in my hometown," said Abraham, who works as part of a 15-member team responsible for securing vessels.

The team successfully moored 29 ships during the port's trial period, demonstrating their expertise in this critical aspect of port operations. Mooring typically requires 7-12 personnel, depending on the ship's size.

Women from the local community are also contributing, working in various departments, including administration, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and security, according to an Adani Ports official.

In addition, a Thiruvananthapuram-based shipping company is now attracting container ships to the port. Manoj Nair, managing director of Waterline Shipping and Logistics Pvt Ltd, stated, "Our team successfully moored all the ships that visited the port. We’re currently in discussions with international shipping companies to promote the port’s opportunities." A recent feeder ship, the Asterios, arrived from Singapore, loaded with 790 containers destined for Salalah in Oman, demonstrating that local companies can bring vessels to Vizhinjam.

The state government’s Additional Skilling Acquisition Programme (ASAP) is planning to introduce more port-related courses to expand local recruitment for shipping jobs, following the successful training and placement of 17 truck operators and 24 laskars. The next student intake is anticipated soon, as informed by Vasavan in the assembly.

A few years ago, Maria Abraham was fishing in small boats; now, he assists in mooring large container ships at Vizhinjam International Seaport, which is set to commence operations in December. Approximately 280 individuals from the local fishing community are employed at the Adani Ports-managed transshipment facility, handling various tasks such as piloting ships, managing containers, and operating machinery, all thanks to extensive training and their sea experience. During a recent strong ocean swell, their skills were put to the test as they efficiently secured and shifted ships. State Ports Minister VN Vasavan noted that 56% of the port's workforce is sourced from the local community, satisfying a clause in the agreement with Adani Ports, which has a total of 511 employees. I completed a month-long training in Kochi focused on mooring operations, which included practical experience at Kochi port. The work here feels manageable due to my familiarity with the sea, and it's rewarding to have a fulfilling job in my hometown, said Abraham, who works as part of a 15-member team responsible for securing vessels. The team successfully moored 29 ships during the port's trial period, demonstrating their expertise in this critical aspect of port operations. Mooring typically requires 7-12 personnel, depending on the ship's size. Women from the local community are also contributing, working in various departments, including administration, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and security, according to an Adani Ports official. In addition, a Thiruvananthapuram-based shipping company is now attracting container ships to the port. Manoj Nair, managing director of Waterline Shipping and Logistics Pvt Ltd, stated, Our team successfully moored all the ships that visited the port. We’re currently in discussions with international shipping companies to promote the port’s opportunities. A recent feeder ship, the Asterios, arrived from Singapore, loaded with 790 containers destined for Salalah in Oman, demonstrating that local companies can bring vessels to Vizhinjam. The state government’s Additional Skilling Acquisition Programme (ASAP) is planning to introduce more port-related courses to expand local recruitment for shipping jobs, following the successful training and placement of 17 truck operators and 24 laskars. The next student intake is anticipated soon, as informed by Vasavan in the assembly.

Next Story
Technology

AirBrick Infra Sets Rs 1 billion Target, Expands to Dubai and Tier-II Cities

AirBrick Infra, one of India’s fastest-growing AI-led commercial interior design and build firms, has announced a sales order target of Rs 1 billion for FY 2025–26. The projection represents a 50 per cent growth over the previous fiscal year and reflects rising demand, increased repeat business, and the company's robust tech-first delivery model.  Now in its third year of operations, AirBrick continues its rapid scale-up, having successfully delivered over 70 projects spanning 3 lakh sq ft in FY 2023–24. FY 2024–25 witnessed the onboarding of several Fortune 500 clients, sett..

Next Story
Resources

Virtusa Foundation Powers Green Education Drive in Bengaluru

The Virtusa Foundation, CSR arm of digital engineering and technology leader Virtusa Corporation, has announced key infrastructure and mobility initiatives at the Ramakrishna Mission, Shivanahalli, Bengaluru. The launch marks the inauguration of a 16-room residential facility for lady teachers and the deployment of two solar-powered electric buses, underscoring Virtusa’s commitment to its core pillars of Education, Environment and Empowerment (3Es).  Located on the forest fringe near Bannerghatta National Park, the initiative supports tribal and underserved communities, complementi..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Godrej Enterprises Drives India’s Smart Green Logistics Shift

As India accelerates its transformation into a global manufacturing and logistics hub, Godrej Enterprises Group (GEG) is taking the lead with its smart, sustainable intralogistics solutions. Through its Material Handling Equipment (MHE) and Storage Solutions businesses, GEG is redefining operational efficiency in modern warehouses and factories using IoT, automation, and AI. GEG has consistently maintained a 20–25 per cent market share in the intralogistics sector over the past three years. Today, over 37 per cent of GEG’s revenues come from its Good & Green portfolio, and its net..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?