India has just inaugurated the brand-new Vizhinjam Port in Kerala, aiming to establish it as a premier transshipment hub.
Importance of Vizhinjam:
– Strategic Location: its proximity to the busy east-west international shipping axis, about 175 nautical miles from Colombo.
– 20-metre draught: Capable of accommodating ultra-large container ships up to 24,000 TEU.
– Phase 1: Capacity of 1 million TEU, supported by an 800m quay and a 52-hectare container yard.
Partnerships and Future Prospects:
– Maersk: Testing the port with the 8,700 TEU San Fernando, seeking alternatives to the congested Colombo port.
– MSC and Hapag-Lloyd: Had provisional talks with Vizhinjam MSC and Hapag-Lloyd: Had provisional talks with Vizhinjam stakeholders to explore service opportunities.
– MSC: Currently partnering with Adani Ports at Mundra and Ennore, and is expected to have further joint ventures at Vizhinjam.
Vizhinjam has the potential to become a leading transshipment port for international routes, offering significant value to shipping lines due to its strategic location and ability to handle large vessels.
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Source: The maritime.
