Adani’s Vizhinjam Port in Kerala has received approval from the Centre to function as India's inaugural transshipment hub, marking a significant milestone for the country's maritime sector. A transshipment port plays a pivotal role in transferring cargo from larger vessels to smaller ones before reaching the final destination port. This development aligns with India's aspiration to emerge as a prominent manufacturing center. Presently, a substantial portion, approximately 75%, of India’s transshipment cargo is processed at foreign ports like Colombo, Singapore, and Klang. The approval to designate Vizhinjam Port as a customs-notified port has also been sought. To avoid premature competition from other projects, the shipping ministry's consent is required, ensuring operational ports reach capacity saturation before new ventures are approved. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) initiated the international transshipment project at Vizhinjam in December 2015, with an original completion target set for 2019. However, delays pushed the expected commencement of operations to the current fiscal year. The project aims to capture a share of India's cargo market, estimated at over a million containers transshipped annually through foreign ports like those in Colombo, Sri Lanka. APSEZ has emphasized the port's advanced automation for swift vessel turnaround and state-of-the-art infrastructure capable of accommodating Megamax containerships, the largest vessels currently operational globally. With its extensive automation measures and cutting-edge infrastructure, the port is poised to handle Megamax containerships, which are the largest vessels in operation worldwide. According to APSEZ, this advanced capability will ensure rapid vessel turnaround times, further enhancing the efficiency of operations at the port. The approval to designate Vizhinjam Port as India's first transshipment hub underscores the government's commitment to modernizing the country's maritime infrastructure and bolstering its position as a key player in the global shipping industry.
