The Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ)-developed port in Thiruvananthapuram district, which was created through a public-private collaboration, is anticipated to revolutionize India’s position in global shipping and trade. It might result in yearly revenue savings of $220 million.

The port has already handled about 250 cargo ships since it started operating partially in July 2023. According to its website, Vizhinjam is future-ready with capacity for more than 18,000 TEU ships, flexible infrastructure to accommodate cargo expansion, and low siltation. A container that is 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 9 feet high is equivalent to one TEU. In April, the Mediterranean Shipping Company’s Turkiye, the largest environmentally friendly container ship in the world, anchored in Vizhinjam Port, 230 kilometers from Kochi.

At present, around 75% of India’s maritime cargo is transported to foreign ports like Singapore, Colombo, or Dubai, resulting in a $220 million annual loss for Indian ports. This is because the commodities are transferred from giant containers, which Indian ports are unable to handle, to smaller vessels.

Additionally, Indian importers and exporters must pay an extra $80 to $100 per container.

Vizhinjam is anticipated to service important international shipping lanes that link the United States, Europe, Africa, and East Asia with its expanded capacity. The Mediterranean Shipping Co., based in Geneva, recently added the port to its Jade service route, which connects it to China, South Korea, Singapore, Spain, and Italy.