In a significant development for India’s maritime logistics, the Vizhinjam International Seaport welcomed its first container vessel, the San Fernando. This event was hailed as a historic occasion by Gautam Adani, Chairman and founder of the Adani Group, who described it as a milestone marking India’s entry into global transshipment.
Adani emphasized that this moment positions Vizhinjam as a key player in global trade routes, ushering in a new era for India’s maritime logistics.
The San Fernando, a Maersk Line vessel carrying over 1,000 containers, arrived at the port as part of a trial run before the commencement of full commercial operations. The Vizhinjam International Seaport, constructed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ), is a testament to India’s growing capabilities in port infrastructure.
The Vizhinjam International Seaport project involved a total investment of Rs 8,867 crore. The state government of Kerala contributed approximately Rs 5,595 crore, while the central government provided Rs 818 crore. The project, built under a public-private partnership model, began construction in 2016 after APSEZ was awarded the project in December 2015. A concession agreement between the Government of Kerala and Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd. (AVPPL) was signed in August 2015.
Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, expressed his joy over the arrival of the first container ship at the port. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he announced a grand celebration on July 12 to mark this historic event. He praised the Adani Group for their efforts in ensuring the completion of the project and highlighted Vizhinjam Port as a successful example of a public-private partnership, showcasing the potential for collaborative development.
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Vijayan invited everyone to join in celebrating this milestone, which he said signifies a new era of progress and prosperity for Kerala.
In October of the previous year, Karan Adani, CEO of Adani Ports and SEZ Limited (APSEZ), stated that the port would be capable of docking some of the world’s largest container ships. He also projected that Vizhinjam would emerge as a global bunkering hub, supplying green fuels like hydrogen and ammonia.
The establishment of the Vizhinjam International Seaport has generated over 5,000 direct jobs, providing a significant boost to the local economy. The port is expected to have a substantial positive impact on the industry, commerce, transportation, and tourism sectors in Kerala, further solidifying its importance as a crucial infrastructure project for the region and the country.
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