Shashi Tharoor highlights Vizhinjam port surge amid Hormuz blockade

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has highlighted a surge in activity at Kerala’s Vizhinjam port, pointing to its growing importance as global shipping routes face disruption due to the ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on social media, Tharoor said the port in his Thiruvananthapuram constituency is witnessing unprecedented traffic, with nearly 100 ships either waiting in queue or seeking berthing access.

The Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil and shipping corridor, has been affected by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, prompting vessels to look for alternative routes and ports. Against this backdrop, Tharoor described Vizhinjam as emerging as a “reliable maritime hub” during the disruption.

Vizhinjam port, operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, is India’s first deep-water transshipment hub and has been positioned as a key infrastructure project aimed at reducing reliance on foreign ports for cargo handling.

Tharoor also pointed to the port’s recent operational milestones, including handling over one million TEUs and recording a surge in vessel traffic. He noted that expansion work is underway to increase capacity, including plans to accommodate multiple large container ships simultaneously.

Data from recent weeks indicates a sharp increase in demand for berths at Vizhinjam, with global shipping companies redirecting vessels that are unable to pass through or operate efficiently via the Gulf region.

The development reflects how disruptions in key maritime routes can shift global shipping patterns, with Indian ports like Vizhinjam emerging as alternative hubs for international trade movement.