First container ship anchors at India's biggest transhipment port in Kerala

The 300-meter-long San Fernando will unload 1,900 containers at Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL), reported news agency PTI.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will officially welcome the ship on Friday.

In a Facebook post, Kerala Port Minister V N Vasavan announced the berthing of San Fernando at Vizhinjam Port, calling it a truly momentous occasion.

"San Fernando was brought closer to the berth of Vizhinjam Port. This is a very happy historical moment. Tomorrow the ship will be officially received under the leadership of the Chief Minister. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal will be the chief guest on the occasion.

"The ship was brought to the berth smoothly under the leadership of four tug ships. The work of mooring, which keeps the ship securely attached to the berth with large ropes, is also completed. Mr. GR Anil Hon. Food Minister, Mr. M. Vincent Vizhinjam MLA, KS Srinivas IAS Port Secretary, Dr. Divya S Iyer IAS, Managing Director Whistle, Adani Port representatives, along with others shared this joy," Vasavan said.

The minister stated that the ship had been secured to the dock using a heavy-duty rope, a process known as mooring, which was completed successfully.

The mothership carries large containers that will be transferred to other ships for transportation to various ports within the country and abroad.

The formal reception ceremony will be attended by several dignitaries, including Central and state ministers, officials, and members of the public.

"The dream is approaching the shore. The first mothership is reaching Kerala's Vizhinjam port. San Fernando will be officially welcomed on behalf of Kerala tomorrow," Vijayan in a Facebook post said on Thursday.

Equipped with modern equipment and advanced automation and IT systems, Vizhinjam will become India's first semi-automated port and is expected to be fully commissioned in September or October 2024.

"It is a natural port with depths between 20 and 24 meters. We have found that the ocean bottom here is rocky, which is very rare. Elsewhere, we would have to dredge to attain such depths," Vasavan said.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday evening, the chief minister stated that the government has taken special attention and care to complete the port construction project in this manner since 2016.

"A special action calendar was prepared, and monthly reviews were conducted. Even a special mobile app was prepared for daily reviews. The construction work was carried out ensuring the availability of construction materials from within and outside the state.

"The timely completion of each component of the project was ensured. Adani Group has worked to complete this project in a time-bound manner," Vijayan said.

He mentioned that the total investment for the Vizhinjam port is Rs 8,867 crore. Of this amount, the state government has allocated Rs 5,595 crore and the Central government has allocated Rs 818 crore.

When the contract for the port construction was signed, the Central Environment Ministry recommended Rs 8 crore for rehabilitation works.

"However, the state government, with a very favourable approach towards fishermen, has spent Rs 100 crore for rehabilitation so far," the chief minister said.

The government has used funds to address the issues raised by the Vizhinjam residents, and Adani Company's CSR funds have also been used to carry out necessary works. More than 5,000 direct employment opportunities have been created as part of this port project, he added.

Vijayan said when this port becomes a reality, Kerala will become the hub of container business in the country.

"There will be significant development in industries like commerce, transportation, tourism, and others, leading to overall economic growth of the state. The Vizhinjam port will be a catalyst for this growth. This is a dream come true for the government and the people, who have worked together to make it a reality. We can proudly celebrate this achievement," he said.