Thiruvananthapuram

Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala has climbed to the 83rd position globally among container ports within just over a year of starting commercial operations, sources said on Thursday.

Developed and operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) under a public-private partnership with the Kerala government, Vizhinjam has emerged as a benchmark deep-water container port in the country, they said.

Port sources said the recently inaugurated second phase of development marks a Rs 16,000-crore expansion, forming part of the Adani Group’s Rs 30,000-crore investment commitment in Kerala.

They added that port-led development is enhancing Kerala’s competitiveness in global logistics, maritime trade and ease of doing business.

Vizhinjam recorded significant operational milestones in January 2026, including its highest-ever monthly container handling of 1,23,092 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), handling of 62 vessels — the highest in a single month since operations began — and a record gross crane rate (GCR) of 30.12 container lifts per hour.

These metrics reflect a sharp rise in productivity at a port that has been operational for only a little over a year, the sources said.

Since commencing operations, Vizhinjam has handled 740 vessels and 1.57 million TEUs, contributing to its steady rise in global container port rankings.

Vizhinjam is India’s first semi-automated container port and is among the few ports in South Asia capable of handling the world’s largest container vessels.

Between December 2024 and January 2026, the port handled over 50 ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) exceeding 399 metres in length, more than 160 vessels longer than 300 metres, and 50 vessels with drafts exceeding 16 metres, the sources said.

Several regional benchmarks were set during this period, underscoring the port’s readiness for next-generation shipping assets, they added.

Technology and skilled manpower have played a crucial role in driving performance. Vizhinjam has deployed an advanced made-in-India Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) to digitally monitor vessel and yard movements, improving safety, predictability and turnaround times.

It is also the first container port in the country to deploy women automated crane operators, reflecting a progressive approach to workforce inclusion, the sources said.

The second phase of development forms part of the Adani Group’s cumulative Rs 30,000-crore investment commitment announced at the Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025.

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Together, Phases 1 and 2 constitute the largest private-sector infrastructure investment in Kerala’s history, positioning Vizhinjam as a critical gateway in India’s maritime growth strategy and its ambition to capture a larger share of global container transshipment traffic, the sources added.