Vizhinjam Port Handles 1 Million TEUs in Just 9 Months
PORTS & SHIPPING

Vizhinjam Port Handles 1 Million TEUs in Just 9 Months

Within just nine months of launching commercial operations, Vizhinjam International Seaport has handled over 1 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of cargo—more than triple its first-year target of 300,000 containers as per the concession agreement. The current figure stands at 1.012 million TEUs, setting a new benchmark for performance by a greenfield port in India.
Ports Minister V. N. Vasavan, after reviewing the port’s progress on Wednesday, described it as a “world-class milestone” and a reason for Kerala to celebrate Onam with pride. “Vizhinjam has astonished the global maritime industry. To our knowledge, very few ports in the world exceed their designed capacity in the first year,” he said.
Since the commencement of operations on 3 December 2024, the port has welcomed over 460 vessels, including 27 Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) measuring up to 399.99 metres in length. Among these was the MSC Irina—the world’s largest cargo ship—which made its maiden South Asian berth at Vizhinjam.
Minister Vasavan highlighted that Vizhinjam’s rapid growth places it in direct competition with global ports such as Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai. Projections suggest the port could handle between 1.3 and 1.4 million containers by December 2025, significantly outperforming early expectations.
Vizhinjam is also notable for being South Asia’s first automated port, featuring 24 automated yard cranes and eight semi-automated ship-to-shore cranes. The Minister praised the contribution of local operators, particularly women from the Vizhinjam region, for their role in the port’s success.
Direct maritime routes from Vizhinjam have already been established to key global hubs in Europe, the United States, Africa, and China. This, Vasavan stated, not only enhances Kerala’s maritime infrastructure but also contributes significantly to India’s overall port capacity and global trade ambitions.

Within just nine months of launching commercial operations, Vizhinjam International Seaport has handled over 1 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of cargo—more than triple its first-year target of 300,000 containers as per the concession agreement. The current figure stands at 1.012 million TEUs, setting a new benchmark for performance by a greenfield port in India.Ports Minister V. N. Vasavan, after reviewing the port’s progress on Wednesday, described it as a “world-class milestone” and a reason for Kerala to celebrate Onam with pride. “Vizhinjam has astonished the global maritime industry. To our knowledge, very few ports in the world exceed their designed capacity in the first year,” he said.Since the commencement of operations on 3 December 2024, the port has welcomed over 460 vessels, including 27 Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) measuring up to 399.99 metres in length. Among these was the MSC Irina—the world’s largest cargo ship—which made its maiden South Asian berth at Vizhinjam.Minister Vasavan highlighted that Vizhinjam’s rapid growth places it in direct competition with global ports such as Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai. Projections suggest the port could handle between 1.3 and 1.4 million containers by December 2025, significantly outperforming early expectations.Vizhinjam is also notable for being South Asia’s first automated port, featuring 24 automated yard cranes and eight semi-automated ship-to-shore cranes. The Minister praised the contribution of local operators, particularly women from the Vizhinjam region, for their role in the port’s success.Direct maritime routes from Vizhinjam have already been established to key global hubs in Europe, the United States, Africa, and China. This, Vasavan stated, not only enhances Kerala’s maritime infrastructure but also contributes significantly to India’s overall port capacity and global trade ambitions. 

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Designing Tomorrow: Amaravati’s Net Zero Landmark

Amaravati has achieved a defining landmark in India’s sustainable infrastructure journey with the inauguration of the APCRDA Project Office, the nation’s first government building to earn the IGBC Net Zero Energy Rating – Design Stage. Conceptualised by the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) and certified by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), the project exemplifies how governance, design and innovation can converge to deliver measurable environmental impact.A vision rooted in sustainabilitySet within a 4.3-acre site along the Seed Access Road in the Amar..

Next Story
Real Estate

Pidilite Elevates Construction with PPS

Pidilite Industries introduced Pidilite Professional Solutions (PPS) — a dedicated vertical for the construction and interiors ecosystem — at ACETECH Bengaluru 2025. Designed to empower architects, developers, contractors, and interior specialists, PPS delivers comprehensive support that extends far beyond products to ensure project excellence from concept to completion. Kavinder Singh, Joint Managing Director, Pidilite Industries, noted, “At Pidilite, we believe in enabling the construction fraternity to build boldly and sustainably. With Pidilite Professional Solutions (PPS),..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Punjab, Centre Fast-Track Rajpura-Mohali Rail Line Development

The central government has fast-tracked the construction of the Rajpura-Mohali rail line to enhance connectivity in Punjab. This ambitious infrastructure project, aimed at improving transportation links between Rajpura and Mohali, has been identified as a key step in fostering regional economic growth. Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the project’s acceleration during a recent assessment of the area. The rail line is expected to play a significant role in reducing travel time, promoting industrial growth, and boosting logistics efficiency in the region. The project,..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?