Vizhinjam International Seaport, developed and operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, has achieved the landmark milestone of handling two million twenty-foot equivalent units within just 18 months of commencing operations, becoming the fastest Indian port to reach the feat.
The port began trial operations in July 2024 and received formal dedication to the nation from Narendra Modi in May 2025. It crossed the one million TEU milestone in August 2025, demonstrating rapid operational expansion within a remarkably short period.
Officials stated that the achievement strengthens Vizhinjam's position as a globally competitive deep-water transhipment hub. They said international shipping lines are showing growing confidence in the port's infrastructure, strategic location, and operational efficiency.
Since operations commenced, the port has handled more than 950 vessels, including 67 Ultra Large Container Vessels measuring nearly 400 metres in length.
The port berthed MSC Irina, the world's largest container ship, and MSC Verona, one of the deepest-draft vessels to dock in India.
Vizhinjam lies just 10 nautical miles from the international east-west shipping corridor and connects South Asia, West Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America. Its natural deep draft of approximately 20 metres enables large vessels to dock without extensive dredging, thereby reducing turnaround time and operational costs.
Authorities believe the port's rapid growth will reduce India's dependence on foreign transhipment hubs and strengthen the country's maritime competitiveness in the Indian Ocean Region.
Phase Two expansion, involving an investment of nearly Rs 16,000 crore, is currently underway and is expected to conclude by 2028.
The expansion will significantly enhance container handling capacity and support full-scale export-import operations.
Recently, APSEZ also became the first Indian integrated transport operator to handle more than 500 million metric tonnes of cargo in a single year.