Historic Arrival: San Fernando Marks First Mothership Berth at Vizhinjam Port

Mothership 'San Fernando' from China docked at Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL) on Thursday, marking the first vessel arrival at India's largest transhipment port. The cargo ship will offload 1,900 containers. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other dignitaries will formally launch the port's first phase of operations.

The 'San Fernando', a container ship from China, marked a milestone on Thursday by becoming the first such vessel to dock at Kerala's Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL), India's largest transhipment port.

Four tugs escorted the 300-meter-long mothership to the dock with a water salute. The ship will offload 1,900 containers on Friday, marking the official launch of the port's first phase.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other dignitaries, including Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, will attend the inaugural ceremony. Vizhinjam port, equipped with modern technology and advanced automation, is set to become India's first semi-automated port by late 2024.

(With inputs from agencies.)