Vizhinjam port sets record with 16.95m draft vessel during Onam

By Admin

10 Sep, 2025

Kerala’s Vizhinjam International Port has marked a historic milestone by handling its deepest-ever container vessel, setting new benchmarks in India’s maritime sector.

A Landmark Achievement

In a significant development, Vizhinjam International Port successfully managed the container vessel MSC Virginia with a draft of 16.95 meters, the deepest ever recorded at the port and the second-largest ship to call at an Indian port. This achievement not only highlights Vizhinjam’s technical capabilities but also reinforces its growing importance as a premier deep-water transshipment hub.

Symbolic Onam Gift for Kerala

The milestone came during the festive season of Onam, making it a symbolic gift for Kerala. MSC Virginia had earlier arrived from Mundra Port with a draft of 16 meters. After loading approximately 5,000 TEUs of cargo, its draft increased to 16.95 meters before departing for Spain.

Building on Previous Records

Previously, the deepest vessel handled at Vizhinjam had a draft of 16.8 meters. With this latest operation, the port has now successfully managed 17 vessels with drafts exceeding 16.5 meters, underlining its readiness to accommodate the world’s largest container ships.

Strategic Advantage of Natural Depth

One of Vizhinjam’s biggest strengths is its natural draft depth of 18 to 20 meters, positioning it as one of India’s most capable deep-water ports. This natural advantage, combined with modern infrastructure, makes it a preferred destination for global shipping lines and strengthens India’s maritime competitiveness.

Boosting India’s Maritime Future

The record-setting achievement of Vizhinjam showcases the port’s potential to emerge as a major hub in the global maritime community. With its ability to handle ultra-large container vessels, it will play a key role in shaping India’s logistics, trade connectivity, and transshipment capabilities in the years to come.