India’s First Deepwater Transshipment Port Receives Its First Mothership

The Suspense is Over: Vizhinjam Port Is Real, and It’s Operational

The rumors were flying. Was it really happening? Could India finally join the elite global league of transshipment giants? The answer is yes — and it’s official. India’s first deepwater transshipment port at Vizhinjam has opened its doors to the world of big-league shipping.

On a historic day, the massive container vessel — the MV San Fernando — docked at Vizhinjam Port in Kerala, confirming that the long-anticipated maritime project has entered its operational phase. This is not just another docking — it’s a defining moment in India’s shipping history.

The Giant Arrives: MV San Fernando Makes History

Stretching 300 meters long and carrying thousands of containers, the mothership MV San Fernando arrived from East Asia and unloaded nearly 2,000 containers. The vessel’s smooth docking without the need for additional dredging proved the port’s readiness for global traffic. With this successful berthing, Vizhinjam has demonstrated that it is more than ready for large-scale transshipment.

What Makes Vizhinjam Different?

Vizhinjam is not your average port. It boasts natural depths of more than 18 meters and is strategically located just 10 nautical miles from key international shipping lanes. These advantages mean the port can accommodate the world’s largest cargo ships without the extensive dredging typically required elsewhere.

Not only is it deep, it’s smart. As India’s first automated port, Vizhinjam is equipped with advanced container handling systems, cutting-edge technology, and an integrated logistics ecosystem to ensure seamless operations.

A Boon for India’s Economy

India has long relied on foreign ports like Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai for transshipment, incurring high costs and logistics delays. With Vizhinjam becoming operational, that dependency is set to shrink significantly. The port is projected to save the country over $200 million annually in transshipment costs alone.

In addition to the national savings, Vizhinjam is expected to generate over 5,000 direct jobs and create ripple effects in logistics, trade, and tourism across southern India.

India Joins the Global Maritime Elite

With the successful berthing of the MV San Fernando, the message is loud and clear: India is now a serious player in the global shipping arena. Vizhinjam is poised to become a vital link in the international supply chain, potentially rivaling the busiest ports in Asia.