Strategic Location and Infrastructure
Situated approximately 10 nautical miles from major international shipping routes, Vizhinjam’s deep-water harbor boasts a natural depth of up to 24 meters, allowing it to accommodate some of the world’s largest container vessels. This strategic positioning facilitates direct access to global trade corridors, bypassing the need for transshipment through foreign ports .
Economic Impact
1. Reduction in Transshipment Costs
Currently, India handles about 75% of its transshipment cargo at foreign ports, resulting in annual revenue losses of approximately $220 million. With Vizhinjam’s operational capacity, this cargo can be processed domestically, retaining significant revenue within the country.
2. Enhanced Logistics Efficiency
The port’s advanced infrastructure is expected to streamline cargo handling processes, reducing turnaround times and logistics costs. This efficiency is anticipated to improve India’s ease of doing business and support exporters, particularly those from inland regions, by providing direct access to global markets .
3. Job Creation and Economic Development
The development of Vizhinjam Port is set to generate numerous employment opportunities, both directly within the port operations and indirectly through ancillary services such as transportation, warehousing, and logistics. This employment boost is expected to contribute to regional economic development and poverty alleviation .
Future Prospects
Upon completion of all phases, Vizhinjam Port aims to handle up to 5 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually, positioning it as a significant global transshipment hub. The port’s development is aligned with India’s broader Maritime India Vision 2030, which seeks to modernize port infrastructure and enhance maritime trade capabilities
