Kerala’s Vizhinjam International Sea Port welcomed its inaugural container ship, ‘San Fernando,’ with grandeur as it arrived from China, marking a historic milestone for India’s largest transshipment hub. The 300-meter-long vessel received a ceremonial water salute from four tugs as it docked at Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL), ready to offload 1,900 containers.
Scheduled for a formal reception on Friday, the container ship arrival drew praise from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Port Minister V N Vasavan, who hailed the occasion as momentous. Tomorrow’s event will feature the chief minister alongside Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, underscoring the significance of the port’s development.
Vizhinjam Port, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and semi-automated operations, is set to be fully operational by September or October 2024. Built naturally with depths ideal for large vessels, the port’s construction has been meticulously managed since 2016, involving comprehensive reviews and resource management to ensure timely completion.
The project, with a total investment of ₹8,867 crore, has seen substantial contributions from the state and central governments, emphasizing its strategic importance in boosting Kerala’s economic landscape. Supported by extensive community initiatives and employment opportunities, the port is expected to catalyze growth across commerce, transportation, and tourism sectors.
As Vizhinjam Port becomes operational, Kerala anticipates becoming a key player in the country’s container business, signaling a new era of economic growth and regional development. The successful realization of this ambitious project underscores a collaborative effort between the government, stakeholders, and the community, celebrating a significant achievement for the state.