Vizhinjam International Seaport

Vizhinjam International Seaport, located along the Arabian Sea in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, stands as a monumental stride in India’s maritime sector. Touted as the country’s first deep-water transshipment hub, the port is poised to reshape India’s position on the global trade map. With natural sea depth reaching 24 meters and a location just 20 km from the bustling Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, the port benefits from unmatched maritime and air connectivity.

Vizhinjam Port: A Game-Changer in Global Trade

Strategically situated just 10 nautical miles from international east-west shipping lanes, Vizhinjam allows direct access for some of the world’s largest container vessels, bypassing the need for feeder transshipment through ports like Dubai and Colombo. Its natural draft minimizes the need for dredging, making it a sustainable and cost-effective solution for cargo handling.

The port’s infrastructure is as ambitious as its vision. It features the tallest ship-to-shore (STS) cranes in India, an under-construction railway tunnel for seamless cargo movement, and advanced systems for handling container and cruise traffic. Developed under a public-private partnership, the project is spearheaded by the Adani Group with operational rights for 40 years. The port is also designed to support crew change operations and aims to attract cruise liners, creating a ripple effect on the local tourism industry.

After some construction delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first phase of the port was completed in December 2024. With partial operations already underway since mid-2023, full-scale operations are expected to rapidly ramp up. Once fully functional, Vizhinjam is set to become Asia’s largest container transshipment hub, significantly boosting Kerala’s economy and creating extensive job opportunities.

Visitor Information

Vizhinjam International Seaport lies in the coastal town of Vizhinjam, about 16 kilometers from the heart of Thiruvananthapuram city in Kerala. The port enjoys excellent road connectivity via National Highway 66, making it easily accessible from nearby towns and industrial zones. Air connectivity is also convenient, with Thiruvananthapuram International Airport just 20 km away.

While the port primarily serves trade and cargo operations, visitors with an interest in maritime infrastructure, photography, or logistics may find it fascinating. Attractions nearby include Kovalam Beach, the Vizhinjam Lighthouse, Azhimala Shiva Temple, and the Sagarika Marine Research Aquarium. Guided tours might be offered during special occasions or upon request, so it’s best to check ahead for access details.