Adani’s Big Win: Vizhinjam Port Welcomes First Cargo Ship ‘San Fernando’ from China

Adani Group and India have made history with the arrival of a large cargo ship, San Fernando, from China at Kerala’s new Vizhinjam International Sea Port. This 300-meter-long ship, operated by Maersk, is the first commercial container cargo vessel to dock at India’s largest transshipment port.

Official Welcome and Statements

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal officially welcomed the ship. Vijayan expressed pride in this achievement, stating that it marks a new chapter for Kerala’s development and is a moment of pride for the country. Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani highlighted that this milestone marks India’s entry into global transshipment and positions Vizhinjam as a key player in global trade routes.

Technological Advancements and Investment

Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and SEZ Limited (APSEZ), emphasized the advanced technology installed at Vizhinjam, making it one of the most sophisticated transshipment ports globally. The total investment for the port is ₹8,867 crore, with the state and central governments contributing ₹5,595 crore and ₹818 crore, respectively. By 2028-29, the project is expected to see a total investment of ₹20,000 crore.

Future Plans and Strategic Importance

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. plans to invest $1.2 billion to enhance the port further, aiming to attract some of the world’s largest ships. This investment is part of the second phase of the project, expected to finish by 2028. The port is strategically located between the Suez Canal and the Strait of Malacca, which will help India attract ultra-large container and cargo vessels, boosting container and cargo traffic.

Impact on India’s Maritime Trade

The port aims to handle one million containers annually, surpassing even Singapore, and will be India’s first hub for transshipment. It is expected to reduce logistics and shipping costs, benefiting domestic manufacturers and supporting India’s ambition to become an alternative manufacturing destination to China. The proximity to international shipping routes and the ability to handle the world’s largest ships make the port a crucial hub for global trade.

Challenges and Opportunities

Currently, 75% of India’s transshipped cargo is handled at ports outside India. Vizhinjam aims to divert this traffic from neighboring ports like Colombo, Salalah, and Singapore. Poor shipping connectivity has hindered India’s integration into the global value chain, and Vizhinjam port is set to change that by improving container traffic and handling capabilities.

Adani’s Vision for the Future

Adani Ports is India’s largest commercial ports operator, rapidly growing and expected to surpass its cargo volume targets. The company sees significant growth potential in India’s port sector, driven by the need for efficient logistics to support the country’s economic expansion.

Vizhinjam port is set to transform India’s maritime logistics, positioning the country as a major player in global trade. With advanced technology and strategic investment, Adani Group’s vision for Vizhinjam is to make it one of the most important transshipment hubs in the world.