Vizhinjam International Seaport, developed and operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) for the Government of Kerala, has handled 2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) within 18 months of commencing operations, becoming the fastest port in India to reach this milestone, according to a company release.
The port began trial operations in July 2024 and was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2025. The previous landmark of 1 million TEUs was crossed in August 2025, demonstrating a rapid increase in operational capacity over a short period.
This achievement highlights Vizhinjam's development as a globally competitive deep-water transhipment hub and signifies growing confidence from leading global shipping lines in the port's infrastructure, efficiency, and strategic position.
With global shipping routes increasingly affected by geopolitical tensions, supply-chain disruptions, and ongoing conflicts in West Asia, Vizhinjam’s location along the Indian Ocean corridor offers a critical advantage to shipping lines seeking route stability, operational efficiency, and quicker cargo movement.
Since operations began, the port has serviced over 950 vessels, including 67 Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) of nearly 400 metres in length. It has also received some of the world's largest container vessels, such as MSC Irina, recognised as the largest container ship globally, and MSC Verona, one of the deepest-draft vessels to call at an Indian port.
The port's ability to berth and service next-generation container vessels places it among a select group worldwide capable of handling large-scale transshipment traffic efficiently.
Situated just 10 nautical miles from the international east-west shipping route, Vizhinjam benefits from a significant geographic location for trade routes between Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Its natural deep draft of approximately 20 metres allows large vessels to dock without extensive capital dredging, improving efficiency and reducing turnaround times.
Vizhinjam operates regular shipping services linking South Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America, facilitating faster container movement and enhancing India's role in global maritime trade networks. Its proximity to major shipping lanes enables savings on transit time and fuel costs for shipping lines, strengthening its position as a preferred transhipment destination in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The port's rapid cargo volume growth is expected to reduce India's dependence on foreign ports in Asia for transshipment cargo. Historically, a large portion of India's transhipment cargo has been processed through external hubs. Vizhinjam's growth is positioning India to retain a greater share of this cargo domestically and to compete effectively against established transhipment hubs in the IOR.
This expansion holds strategic importance for India’s trade ambitions, as increased cargo volumes will enhance the country's cargo retention, maritime connectivity, and competitiveness in international supply chains. The port's rise coincides with a global emphasis on resilient maritime infrastructure and diversified trade routes amid geopolitical uncertainties across West Asia and key shipping corridors.
Phase 2 of the port's expansion is underway with an investment of approximately ₹16,000 crore and is scheduled for completion by 2028. This phase is expected to significantly increase container handling capacity and enable full-scale export-import operations.
APSEZ recently became the first Indian integrated transport operator to handle over 500 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo in a single year, reaffirming its position as the leading private-sector ports operator in the country.