At the southernmost tip of India, the inauguration of the “Vizhinjam Transshipment Container Port” has opened a new chapter in the country’s global trade engagement. This port is set to welcome the arrival of the Zhen Hua 15 cargo ship from the East China Sea on Sunday, October 15, not only bringing in the first significant crane for the port but also positioning India as a destination for the world’s largest container ships.
With the aim of bolstering India’s involvement in global trade, particularly in the face of China’s dominance, the Vizhinjam port aims to streamline the movement of goods in and out of the country, thus supporting India’s ambition to become a major manufacturing center. According to Adani’s Ports website, the port is equipped to handle large vessels, including the Megamax container ships, with an initial capacity of 1 million twenty-foot containers, requiring an investment of 77 billion rupees. The ambitious future plans involve expanding its capacity to accommodate 6.2 million containers in the subsequent phases.
The addition of this terminal further solidifies Gautam Adani’s prominence in India’s infrastructure landscape. With significant interests in ports, airports, and mines, Adani’s influence in the sector is set to be heightened with the success of the Vizhinjam project. Located strategically along major shipping routes responsible for a substantial portion of global cargo (approximately 30%), Vizhinjam’s position is advantageous in cementing India’s role in international trade.
The culmination of the long-awaited deep-sea port in Kerala is the result of a collaborative effort between Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd, and the state government. Prior to this development, India had been unable to accommodate the world’s largest container ships due to limitations in its ports, necessitating the use of alternate ports such as Dubai and Singapore.
The emergence of Vizhinjam port is poised to attract a significant influx of ships, enhancing India’s competitiveness in the global maritime trade. This development not only showcases India’s commitment to strengthening its global trade footprint but also underscores Adani Ports’ growing prominence in the international trade and infrastructure sectors.
Image Source: https://vajiramandravi.com/upsc-daily-current-affairs/prelims-pointers/vizhinjam-international-seaport/
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