The Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala, developed by the Adani Group, is poised to become India’s premier transshipment hub. Strategically located near international shipping routes, the port offers a natural depth of 20-24 meters, enabling it to accommodate some of the world’s largest container vessels. ​

In November 2024, the port achieved a significant milestone by handling over 100,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and welcoming 46 ships during a four-month trial period. Additionally, the port hosted the MSC Kayley, a vessel with a draught of 16.5 meters, underscoring its capacity to manage ultra-large container ships. ​

The Adani Group has committed an additional $1.2 billion to further develop the port, aiming to expand its capacity to 3 million TEUs by 2028. This investment positions Vizhinjam to compete with established transshipment hubs like Dubai, Singapore, and Colombo, potentially reducing India’s reliance on foreign ports for container transshipment. ​

While Vizhinjam is set to become a leading transshipment port, it’s important to note that in terms of overall cargo tonnage, other Indian ports like Kandla and Paradip currently handle larger volumes. Nonetheless, Vizhinjam’s development marks a significant advancement in India’s maritime infrastructure.