Vizhinjam International Seaport has crossed the milestone of handling 2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) within just 18 months of commencing operations, becoming the fastest Indian port to achieve the feat.The port, which commenced trial operations in July 2024, crossed the 1 million TEU mark in August 2025. The achievement strengthens Vizhinjam’s emergence as a globally competitive deep-water transshipment hub and reflects rising confidence among leading global shipping lines in the port’s infrastructure, efficiency and strategic location.At a time when global shipping routes are increasingly being shaped by geopolitical tensions, supply-chain disruptions and the ongoing conflict in West Asia, Vizhinjam’s strategic location along the Indian Ocean corridor is emerging as a critical advantage for shipping lines seeking route stability, operational efficiency and faster cargo movement, said a press release.Since commencing operations, Vizhinjam has handled over 950 vessels, including 67 Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs), each measuring nearly 400 metres in length. The port has also berthed some of the world’s most iconic container vessels, including MSC Irina, recognised as the world’s largest container ship, and MSC Verona, among the deepest-draft container vessels to call at an Indian port.Located just 10 nautical miles from the international east-west shipping route, Vizhinjam offers a significant geographic advantage for global trade movement between Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Its natural deep draft of around 20 metres enables large vessels to dock without extensive capital dredging, improving operational efficiency and reducing turnaround time.The port also offers regular shipping services connecting South Asia, Europe, Africa and South America. The proximity to key global shipping lanes enables shipping lines to save transit time and fuel costs, strengthening Vizhinjam’s competitiveness as a preferred transshipment destination in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).Phase 2 expansion of the port is currently underway with an investment of approximately ₹16,000 crore and is expected to be completed by 2028. The expansion is expected to significantly enhance the port’s container handling capacity and support the commencement of full-scale export-import (EXIM) operations.Published on May 29, 2026