Chennai: Adani Group’s Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram achieved a historic milestone on Thursday with the commencement of operations and the arrival of its inaugural mothership, MV San Fernando, as part of a trial phase.
Positioned as India’s premier transshipment hub and deepwater container terminal, the port is slated for full operational readiness by September, coinciding with the festive period of Onam. The arrival of MV San Fernando, chartered by Maersk, marked a significant moment as it received a ceremonial water salute from tugboats upon anchoring at the outer berth of the port at 7 am. By 9.30 am, the vessel was securely berthed, initiating operations at the transshipment hub amidst enthusiastic participation from thousands of onlookers waving national flags.
A transshipment port functions as a pivotal transit point where cargo from large motherships is transferred onto smaller vessels destined for final delivery at regional ports. These motherships, known for their immense size measuring up to 300 metres in length and 48 metres in width, typically handle container fleets carrying 10,000-15,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU). “The trial operations are a critical phase ensuring seamless execution as we prepare for full-scale operations. Vizhinjam Port’s infrastructure development for the first phase nears completion,” stated the port official, underscoring the strategic importance of the project for enhancing India’s maritime logistics capabilities. The successful berthing of MV San Fernando signifies a major leap forward for Vizhinjam Port, strategically positioned to cater to growing transshipment demands in the region. With all necessary infrastructure in place, the port aims to facilitate efficient cargo handling and bolster connectivity across international shipping routes.
