Vizhinjam Port: A New Chapter for Kerala’s Maritime Trade
A Historic Arrival
On Thursday, July 11, 2024, Kerala witnessed a watershed moment in its maritime history as the Vizhinjam International Seaport near Thiruvananthapuram welcomed its first-ever mothership, the San Fernando. Owned by SFL Corporation Ltd. and chartered by shipping giant Maersk (AP Moller Group), Denmark, the colossal vessel marked the beginning of a new era for the state’s trade and economy.
Arriving at the port’s outer area around 7 AM, the San Fernando gracefully berthed by 9:50 AM, greeted with a ceremonial water salute. This 300-meter-long cargo behemoth is carrying approximately 1,900 containers, a testament to the port’s burgeoning capacity.
A Dream Turned Reality
The arrival of the San Fernando was more than just a logistical milestone; it was a culmination of years of planning, investment, and unwavering determination. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who has been a staunch advocate of the Vizhinjam project, described the event as a “dream becoming reality.”
In a Facebook post, the Chief Minister expressed his excitement, stating, “The first mothership is reaching Kerala’s Vizhinjam port. San Fernando will be officially welcomed on behalf of Kerala tomorrow.” The official welcome ceremony, scheduled for Friday morning, will be graced by the presence of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal.
A Mega Project with Big Ambitions
The Vizhinjam International Seaport is a colossal undertaking, with a total investment of Rs 8,867 crore. The state and central governments have contributed Rs 5,595 crore and Rs 818 crore, respectively, towards this ambitious project.
Developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model with Adani Ports as the private partner, the port boasts a natural draft of 18-20 meters, making it capable of accommodating some of the world’s largest container vessels. Its strategic location on the international East-West shipping route further enhances its potential to become a major transhipment hub.
Economic and Employment Boost
Beyond its strategic importance, the Vizhinjam port is expected to be a catalyst for economic growth and job creation in Kerala. It is projected to generate over 5,000 direct employment opportunities, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.
The port’s operations are expected to stimulate ancillary industries such as logistics, warehousing, and support services, leading to a ripple effect across various sectors. Additionally, it is anticipated to reduce transportation costs for businesses, making Kerala a more competitive destination for trade and investment.
Challenges and Expectations
While the arrival of the San Fernando is undoubtedly a significant achievement, the Vizhinjam port faces several challenges ahead. Issues such as port congestion, infrastructure development, and environmental concerns need to be addressed effectively to ensure the port’s long-term sustainability.
However, with the right strategies and proactive measures, Vizhinjam has the potential to transform Kerala into a maritime powerhouse, attracting global trade and investment. The state government, in collaboration with the port authorities and private partners, will need to work diligently to optimize the port’s operations and realize its full potential.
The arrival of the San Fernando marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Kerala. As the port grows and matures, it is expected to play a pivotal role in the state’s economic development and integration into the global maritime trade network.
Earlier, before the arrival of the ship, Chief Minister Vijayan had described the event as “a dream becoming reality”. He said that with the port, the state will become the “hub of container business in the country”.
He stated that the total investment for the seaport is Rs 8,867 crore. Out of this, the state and the central government have contributed Rs 5,595 crore, and Rs 818 crore, respectively.
The port is expected to create more than 5,000 direct jobs.
The port has been developed in a public-private partnership (PPP) model with Adani Ports as the private partner.
