First mothership docks at Adani's Vizhinjam Port, boosts India's global port presence

Vizhinjam International Port, India's first transshipment port near Kovalam Beach in Kerala, developed by the Adani Group, welcomed its first mothership, 'San Fernando,' from Maersk, the world's second-largest shipping company.

The shipment created history as it arrived with over 2,000 containers on it, and was given a traditional water salute after which she berthed successfully.

The arrival of the first mother ship at Adani Group's Vizhinjam Port has put India in the global port business as the port is expected to be ranked 6th or 7th internationally.

The Vizhinjam Port equipped with advanced automation and IT systems is the first semi-automated container terminal in the country. It will also be a global bunkering hub, supplying clean and green fuels like hydrogen and ammonia.

The port is also strategically located and is just 10 nautical miles (approx 19 km) from the International Shipping Route connecting Europe, the Persian Gulf and the Far East.

State Ports Minister VN Vasavan, officials from the Adani Port and senior state government officials were among those who welcomed the mothership.

The official function will take place on July 12 to be attended by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (APSEZ) Managing Director Karan Adani.

The event will also mark the official completion of the first phase of the port, which has a 3,000-metre breakwater and 800-metre container berth ready.

After the official inauguration, the mothership will travel to Colombo following which many more ships are scheduled to arrive with cargo.

The Vizhinjam International Seaport is a joint project by the Kerala government in partnership with the Adani Group through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Limited (AVPPL) entered into a concession agreement with the Kerala Ports Department on August 17, 2015, and construction work commenced on December 5, 2015.

One of the greenest ports in the world, the Phase 2 and 3 of the project are expected to be completed by 2028.