Vizhinjam port, a game changer for India but a challenge to Sri Lanka

By Admin

06 May, 2025

The recent inauguration of the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala by Prime Minister Narendra Modi marks a major turning point in India's maritime ambitions. Positioned strategically on the southern tip of the country, Vizhinjam is set to redefine global shipping routes and challenge long-established transshipment hubs like Colombo, Jebel Ali, and Singapore.

A Vision for Global Efficiency

Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd, emphasized the port’s potential to become a global benchmark in efficiency. “We have to make this one of the most efficient ports, not just in the country, but globally,” Adani said. Currently handling 1.2 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units), Vizhinjam aims to scale up to 5 million TEU by 2028.

Backed by Adani Group's extensive port network, the goal is not only to attract global cargo but also to reduce India’s logistics costs by 25–30%. This ambitious vision aims to empower Indian importers and exporters by providing faster, cost-effective, and sustainable shipping options.

Overcoming Construction Challenges

Building the port was no small feat. Karan Adani revealed that the project faced serious hurdles, including two cyclones and prolonged strikes. The logistics of sourcing and transporting 7 million tons of rock alone were daunting. Despite these challenges, strong team efforts, along with the unwavering support of the Kerala Government and the people of Trivandrum, ensured successful execution of the project’s first phase.

Transshipment Powerhouse in the Making

One of Vizhinjam’s standout features is its ability to handle container transshipment more efficiently than many of its regional competitors. Equipped with automated systems and STS Super Post-Panamax cranes, the port offers reduced turnaround times for vessels. Its location—right on the Arabian Sea and near major international shipping lanes—enhances its appeal by enabling faster and more direct cargo movement.

Moreover, Vizhinjam boasts a natural depth of 24 meters, allowing it to accommodate the world’s largest Ultra Large Container Ships (ULCS) without costly dredging. Each berth is capable of handling 24,000 TEU, making it India’s first automated and eco-friendly port aligned with modern sustainability benchmarks.

Strategic Impact on Global Shipping

The operationalization of Vizhinjam could reshape regional shipping dynamics. Traditionally, a significant share of India's transshipment cargo passed through Colombo. However, Vizhinjam’s cutting-edge infrastructure and geographical advantage—just 10 nautical miles from key international routes—make it a natural magnet for cargo moving between Europe, the Persian Gulf, Southeast Asia, and the Far East.

This development is a clear challenge to Sri Lanka's Colombo Port, which has long been South Asia’s primary transshipment hub. With its relatively shallower depth and increasing congestion, Colombo may struggle to compete with the scale, speed, and environmental credentials of Vizhinjam.

Geopolitical and Economic Implications

India's focus on enhancing its maritime capacity is also tied to the broader strategic vision of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), an alternative trade route that bypasses the Suez Canal. As India positions itself as a key player in this corridor, Vizhinjam becomes a critical node in reshaping global trade flows.

The ripple effect of this port's emergence will be felt not just in India and Sri Lanka, but across the maritime world. As global logistics players begin re-evaluating cost, time, and fuel efficiency, the balance of power in regional shipping is poised to shift significantly.

Conclusion

Vizhinjam is not just another port—it’s a strategic asset that has the potential to rewrite India's maritime future and disrupt existing shipping hierarchies in South Asia. With its advanced capabilities, strategic location, and efficient operations, Vizhinjam is set to be a game changer for India—and a considerable challenge for Sri Lanka’s transshipment dominance.