Vizhinjam International Seaport crosses 1 million TEUs in first year of operations

The Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala, India’s first transshipment hub, has handled over 1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) within its first year of commercial operations—a milestone achieved since its launch in December 2024.

In its inaugural year, the port welcomed 456 vessel calls, reflecting strong uptake from global shipping lines. With a natural draft of more than 18 meters, Vizhinjam is among the few ports worldwide capable of accommodating the largest container ships. Its location near major international shipping lanes has made it a preferred hub for transshipment, reducing India’s reliance on foreign ports.

Kerala’s Chief Minister and senior state officials hailed the achievement as a testament to the state’s maritime vision, noting that the port is not only a logistics gateway but also a driver of trade, jobs, and economic growth.

Industry experts say the rapid scale-up to 1 million TEUs highlights global confidence in Vizhinjam’s infrastructure and operational efficiency. The port has already begun attracting some of the world’s biggest carriers, underscoring its potential to become South Asia’s premier transshipment hub.

With this milestone, Vizhinjam has firmly placed Kerala on the global maritime map, signalling a new phase of connectivity and competitiveness for India’s shipping sector.