While the yard capacity constraints have forced three to four vessels to wait at outer anchorage, official sources confirmed that these ships are being allocated priority berthing based on the specific requirements of the shipping lines.
Despite exceeding its designated monthly stacking capacity, Vizhinjam International Seaport recorded its highest-ever monthly throughput in May, handling 130,863 TEUs across 55 vessels.Over the last six months, the terminal has consistently operated well above its standard baseline capacity of 34,000 TEUs, frequently managing an excess volume of over 40,000 TEUs. According to official sources, this massive surge has not resulted in operational bottlenecks or port congestion. To maintain fluid cargo operations, port authorities have successfully implemented alternative storage arrangements, utilizing the new EXIM container yard and the flanks of the newly constructed national highway access road for overflow container stacking.While the yard capacity constraints have forced three to four vessels to wait at outer anchorage, official sources confirmed that these ships are being allocated priority berthing based on the specific requirements of the shipping lines. Currently, MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) remains the exclusive container line calling at Vizhinjam under a strategic agreement with Adani Ports.Ancillary facilitiesHowever, the shipping fraternity is looking at more ancillary facilities before the port starting its full-fledged operations by 2028. “As we have been talking for many months, road connectivity --interim and permanent -- are the immediate priority”, Binu K.S. of Kerala Steamer Agents Association told businessline.The proposed rail connectivity needs to speed up momentum and the same should be in place. Likewise, there are no CFS facilities for cargo clearance and shifting of Exim cargo which need to be done on priority. Liquid cargo storage and supply facilities will attract more business along with cruise terminals, he said.Official sources pointed out that the port has moved ahead with the second phase of development, which will expand the existing 800-metre container berth to 2,000 metres by December 2028. Once completed, Vizhinjam will have one of the longest container berth in the country and a handling capacity of 5.7 million TEUs, significantly higher than the 3 million TEUs envisaged under the concession agreement. The expansion will also enable the port to berth multiple mother vessels simultaneously.The second phase includes extending the existing 2.96-km breakwater to 4 km. The project will not require additional land acquisition, as the required area will be created through sea reclamation. The port will also add 21 ship-to-shore cranes and 45 yard cranes to strengthen its handling capacity.The delays in completing road and rail connectivity projects, which are being executed by government agencies, have held back the commencement of Exim cargo operations. To bridge the gap, the Adani Group has completed a road link connecting the terminal to the NH Bypass and is awaiting approval from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to begin operations.The temporary road connectivity is expected to facilitate the launch of Exim cargo movement this month. However, a permanent solution is planned through a ₹100-crore cloverleaf interchange on NH-66, which will allow container trailers to access the port directly without affecting highway traffic. Land acquisition for the project is in its final stages and NHAI is expected to commence construction soon, the sources said.Meanwhile, work for the rail connectivity to the port is progressing, with Konkan Railway reportedly entrusted with constructing the 9-km rail link from Balaramapuram to Vizhinjam at an estimated cost of ₹1,500 crore. The project is expected to be completed by 2028, the sources added.Published on June 2, 2026
