First vessel docks at Vizhinjam port: Exploring its characteristics and history

Thiruvananthapuram: As Kerala celebrates the arrival of the inaugural ship at the Vizhinjam International Seaport, a multi-billion-rupee multipurpose seaport project, let's delve into the unique features and history of this remarkable port.

Key Characteristics

Vizhinjam port, located approximately 14 km from Kerala's capital Thiruvananthapuram, stands out as India's first Deep Water Transshipment Terminal, designed to evolve through three distinctive phases.

The port's natural depth of 20 meters is a significant allure. Remarkably, the port welcomed a ship bearing the largest crane ever seen in Indian ports without necessitating any dredging activities. Vizhinjam is fully equipped to accommodate colossal vessels, including the ULCS container ship MSC Irina and luxurious cruise liners like Wonder of the Seas, effortlessly.

Strategically positioned just 10 nautical miles (19 kilometers) from the international east-west shipping route, Vizhinjam boasts seamless connectivity to Western Asia, Europe, Africa, and the far eastern regions. Traveling from the primary route to the port merely takes an hour, emphasizing its unparalleled accessibility.

It stands out as India's pioneer automated seaport, incorporating advanced facilities that significantly reduce vessel turnaround time. This all-weather port maintains consistent operational efficiency, unaffected by tidal variations, making it a reliable hub for maritime activities.

Upon completion of its initial phase, Vizhinjam port is set to accommodate 1 million TEUs (20-foot equivalent container units). Subsequent phases will expand this capacity to 6.2 million TEUs, representing over 70% of India's transshipment volume.

The port features two breakwaters, a harbor basin, and multiple berths, including 30 capable of accommodating mother ships. Additionally, the Vizhinjam Cruise Terminal boasts two 500-meter-long cruise berths.

This seaport serves as a vital point for vessels navigating the Indian Ocean region, especially for crew change requirements. Its strategic proximity to Trivandrum International Airport, a mere 16 km away, further streamlines crew change operations. Notably, during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the port facilitated the embarkation of 2,807 crew members into service, along with the disembarkation of 2,737 individuals as part of these essential crew change operations.

History

Archaeological findings at Vizhinjam reveal intriguing glimpses into its past. Remnants of a fort, potentially dating back to the 8th or 9th century CE, were discovered by a team from the Department of Archaeology, University of Kerala. These ruins were believed to be linked to the Ay dynasty who ruled the region. Historical records indicate that between 788 AD and 920 AD, several kings served as Ay chiefs in Vizhinjam. Sangam literature references also suggest the existence of this fort, which sadly met its demise during the 12th-century invasion by Kolothunga Chola.

The concept of a new port in Vizhinjam was first introduced by Travancore Diwan Ramaswami Iyer. In the 1940s, British engineers conducted a survey regarding this idea. However, these initiatives remained stagnant and did not progress further during that era.

LDF vs UDF

The initiation of the port construction has sparked disputes between the major political coalitions in Kerala- the UDF and LDF. The Congress leaders have urged to name the port after Oommen Chandy, who signed the agreement with the current builder, Adani Ports, in 2015. However, CPM state secretary MV Govindan countered this claim, asserting that the groundwork was laid by EK Nayanar during the period of 1996-2001. In contrast, Congress argues that the first step was taken in 1991 and that CPM initially opposed the idea.

Congress also contends that the LDF government between 1996-2001 failed to progress on the MoU signed with the Hyderabad-based Kumar Group of companies. According to them, the proposal gained momentum when the UDF assumed power in 2001.

On the other hand, CPM maintains that little progress was made during the 2001-06 government, emphasizing that the pivotal steps were taken during the tenure of VS Achuthanandan from 2006-11. 

Initially, the VS government proposed a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. However, this approach faced setbacks as two rounds of bidding and tenders failed under this model. The first round was awarded to a Chinese company, which failed to obtain security clearance from the union government. In the second round, Lanco Kondapalli Power Private Ltd., Hyderabad, was chosen, but Zoom Developers contested their disqualification, leading to legal hurdles. Congress accused corruption in the bidding process. Due to uncertainties and challenges, Lanco Group withdrew in 2009. Moreover, a new environmental study mandated by the union environment ministry's updated policy. It was only cleared in 2011.

Subsequent attempts to invite private sector participation yielded poor responses, prompting massive protests by CPM demanding project implementation. The National Green Tribunal and the environment ministry also scrutinized the state government over alleged violations. In 2015, despite opposition from the LDF, Oommen Chandy signed an agreement with Adani Port, which drew objections from CPM, stating that the government was providing unnecessary support to the Adani Group. The construction officially commenced during Oommen Chandy's tenure in 2016. It faced another significant roadblock in 2022. Fishermen protested against the project, demanding a halt to construction and fresh environmental impact studies. The opposition Congress party supported these protests.

Despite these challenges, the Vizhinjam port is now slated for commissioning in March 2024, marking a significant achievement after years of obstacles and controversies.