Vizhinjam seaport in Kerala becomes fastest Indian port to handle 2 million TEUs cargo in 18 months

The Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala has achieved another milestone by handling 20 lakh TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of cargo in just 18 months, nearly twice its annual capacity.

The port is expected to commission its first 400-metre berth of the total 1.2 km berth expansion conceived as part of its second phase of expansion, next year, which will enable it to accommodate more ship calls and handle higher cargo volumes

The seaport, developed and operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) for the Kerala government has also become the first Indian port to achieve the fete in the record time. The port’s achievement also comes at a time when shipping operators and global economies are increasingly prioritising resilient maritime infrastructure and diversified trade routes amid evolving geopolitical uncertainties across West Asia and key global shipping corridors.

Also, Vizhinjam’s strategic location along the Indian Ocean corridor is emerging as a critical advantage for shipping lines seeking route stability, operational efficiency and faster cargo movement, at a time when global shipping routes are increasingly being shaped by geopolitical tensions, supply-chain disruptions and the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

According to port authorities, since commencing operations, Vizhinjam has handled over 950 vessels, including 67 Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs), each measuring nearly 400 metres in length. The port has also berthed some of the world’s most iconic container vessels, including MSC Irina, recognised as the world’s largest container ship, and MSC Verona, among the deepest-draft container vessels to call at an Indian port. The ability to berth and service next-generation container vessels positions Vizhinjam among a select group of ports globally capable of handling large-scale transshipment traffic with high operational efficiency.

Located just 10 nautical miles from the international east-west shipping route, Vizhinjam offers a significant geographic advantage for global trade movement between Asia, the West Asia, Europe and Africa. Its natural deep draft of around 20 metres enables large vessels to dock without extensive capital dredging, improving operational efficiency and reducing turnaround time.

Vizhinjam also offers regular shipping services connecting South Asia, Europe, Africa and South America, enabling faster container movement and strengthening India’s position in global maritime trade networks. The port’s proximity to key global shipping lanes enables shipping lines to save both transit time and fuel costs, strengthening Vizhinjam’s competitiveness as a preferred transshipment destination in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Phase 2 expansion

Phase 2 expansion of the port is currently underway with an investment of approximately ₹16,000 crore and is expected to be completed by 2028.

The expansion is expected to significantly enhance the port’s container handling capacity and support the commencement of full-scale export-import (EXIM) operations. The port commenced trial operations in July 2024 and was dedicated to the nation in May 2025.