India's First Deepwater Container Transshipment Port Begins Operations with 'MV San Fernando'

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated India's first automated deepwater container transshipment port with the arrival of 'MV San Fernando'. The port, a PPP project involving the Kerala Government, Government of India, and Adani Port SEZ, aims to revolutionize India's maritime sector and significantly boost Kerala's economic growth.

In a momentous event, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal officially received the 'MV San Fernando', the first mothership to dock at India's newly operational deepwater container transshipment port today. The vessel, capable of handling up to 9000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), signifies the launch of operations at the country's first fully automated port, equipped with advanced technology for the efficient turnaround of mega-sized containerships.

Joining the celebration, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan commended the public-private partnership that brought the project to fruition. Minister Sonowal described the event as historic for India's maritime sector, emphasizing that the Vizhinjam Port, located near Thiruvananthapuram, represents a significant milestone under the 'Make in India' initiative. The project is a collaboration between the Kerala Government, the Government of India, and the Adani Port SEZ, positioning India as a player in the global ports arena.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the port sector is undergoing substantial developments. Vizhinjam Port, a greenfield initiative valued at over Rs 18,000 crores, stands to revitalize Kerala's economy by generating jobs, facilitating trade, and attracting investments. The port's strategic position near key international shipping lanes reduces transit times, making it a critical hub for maritime trade. Sonowal noted that the port offers a competitive edge over regional transshipment hubs like Colombo and Singapore. Under the Ministry of Ports, substantial projects amounting to more than Rs 24,000 crores are underway in Kerala as part of the Sagarmala project to further strengthen India's maritime capabilities.

(With inputs from agencies.)