Synopsis
On April 9, Vizhinjam International Seaport, operated by Adani Ports, welcomed MSC Turkiye, the largest container ship to dock in India. This event marks a significant milestone for India's maritime industry, boosting Vizhinjam's status as a global transshipment hub.Key Takeaways
- MSC Turkiye is the largest container ship in Indian waters.
- Vizhinjam Port is strategically located near key shipping routes.
- Phase 1 can currently support 1 million TEUs, with expansion plans underway.
- The port's natural draft allows for ULCV accommodations.
- APSEZ's investment will enhance logistics capabilities in the region.
Thiruvananthapuram, April 9 (NationPress) In a significant milestone for India’s maritime sector, the Vizhinjam International Seaport, developed and managed by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd, welcomed the MSC Turkiye on Wednesday, marking its inaugural visit to any port in India. Measuring 399.9 metres in length, 61.3 metres in width, and 33.5 metres in depth, the MSC Turkiye holds an impressive capacity of 24,346 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), making it the largest container ship ever to dock at an Indian port.
Operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and flagged under Liberia, this vessel showcases state-of-the-art advancements in fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly marine engineering.
This achievement enhances Vizhinjam’s reputation as a leading global transshipment hub, strategically located just 10 nautical miles (19 km) from a major east-west international shipping route.
The port’s natural draft of 20 metres allows for the accommodation of ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) without the need for extensive dredging.
The historic arrival follows a previous record set by the MSC Claude Girardet in September 2024, which previously held the record with its capacity of 24,116 TEUs. The MSC Turkiye now surpasses this achievement.
Vizhinjam stands as India’s first Mega Transshipment Container Terminal, featuring cutting-edge automation, modern infrastructure, and swift vessel turnaround times.
Currently, Phase 1 can handle 1 million TEUs, with plans for expansion aiming at 5.5 million TEUs by 2028.
APSEZ has a 40-year concession agreement with the Kerala government to develop and manage the port. Once fully operational, Vizhinjam is anticipated to manage nearly half of India’s container transshipment requirements, reducing dependency on international ports like Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai.
The arrival of MSC Turkiye reinforces APSEZ’s dedication to establishing Vizhinjam as a competitive global maritime center, thereby enhancing India’s logistics capabilities and trade prominence on the international stage.
In February, the Adani Group announced an investment of Rs 30,000 crore in Kerala over the next five years, which includes enhancements to the Vizhinjam port, upgrades to the Thiruvananthapuram Airport, and the establishment of a logistics hub, among other initiatives.
