Vizhinjam port expansion: APSEZ commits ₹7,398 crore to triple capacity by 2028

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) kicked off its ₹7,398 crore expansion of Kerala’s Vizhinjam International Seaport, aiming to transform it into a premier regional transshipment hub capable of berthing five mega mother ships simultaneously. Announced at a foundation stone-laying ceremony led by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the project elevates the port’s nameplate capacity from 1 million TEUs to 3 million TEUs annually, with potential to handle up to 5.7 million TEUs through automation, extra cranes, and efficiency gains by 2029.

Key upgrades include extending the container berth from 800 meters to 2,000 meters, lengthening the breakwater to 3,900 meters, reclaiming 7.6 million cubic meters of sea space, dredging for ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs), and building a 1,200-meter berth plus a 10,900 TEU backup yard. Slated for completion by December 2028, this phase builds on Phase 1’s infrastructure, marking Kerala’s largest private investment at ₹30,000 crore total commitment.

For maritime logistics, Vizhinjam’s growth positions it as South Asia’s top transshipment gateway, serving India, Africa, the Middle East, and beyond while decongesting Colombo and Singapore routes. It promises faster container flows for exports like spices, textiles, and electronics from Hyderabad and other inland hubs, slashing costs and boosting competitiveness amid rising global trade volumes.

This move aligns with APSEZ’s broader Phase 2 vision, including a separate ₹16,000 crore infusion for further scaling to over 4 million additional TEUs, solidifying Vizhinjam’s role in India’s port-led growth strategy.