Vizhinjam port's successful trials draw top shipping firms to Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: With the trial runs at Vizhinjam port, the world's leading shipping companies are setting their sights on Kerala's capital. The first vessel to dock for the trial was the San Fernando, operated by Maersk, the second-largest shipping company globally. Following Maersk, the Mediterranean Shipping Corporation (MSC), the world's largest shipping company, is also planning to arrive at Vizhinjam.

MSC has initiated the process of establishing an office in Thiruvananthapuram to oversee its activities at Vizhinjam port. An MSC delegation visited the port on Thursday and reportedly submitted the necessary documents to obtain permission to commence their operations.

The Adani Group, which owns the development of Vizhinjam port, is in talks with several other major shipping companies to promote the port's operational capabilities.

Port authorities have conducted multiple trial runs to demonstrate Vizhinjam’s potential for transhipment, showcasing its ability to accommodate large motherships with ease.

So far, three container ships have successfully docked and departed from Vizhinjam. More ships are expected to arrive for trial runs until September. It is anticipated that an MSC vessel will also be part of these trials. Currently, large motherships face significant delays at Colombo port, often waiting days to unload their cargo.

The operationalisation of Vizhinjam port is expected to significantly reduce both the time and costs associated with maritime transportation.