Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Welcome First Mothership at Vizhinjam Port

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal received the first mothership ‘MV San Fernando’ at Vizhinjam Port, marking the start of operations at India’s first deepwater container transshipment port. The ship, with a capacity of up to 9000 TEUs, docked at the automated port equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for quick vessel turnaround.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was also present at the event. Sonowal highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, “Today is a historic day for the maritime sector of India as the maiden mothership docks at Vizhinjam, India’s first truly deepwater International Container Transshipment terminal.”

He emphasized the collaboration between the Government of Kerala, the Government of India, and Adani Port SEZ under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Sonowal also mentioned ongoing mega port projects, including the All Weather Deep Draft Port at Vadhavan in Maharashtra and the International Container Transshipment Terminal at Galathea Bay.

Vizhinjam Port, located near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, is a strategic maritime project developed with an investment exceeding Rs 18,000 crores. Its location near international shipping routes reduces transit times, making it a key point for maritime trade. The port’s development is expected to boost Kerala’s economic growth by creating jobs, enhancing trade, and attracting investments.

Sonowal added, “Under the dynamic leadership of PM Modiji, India has fast-tracked development of the ports sector in the country, as we aim to become the top maritime global power in the years to come.” He also mentioned the Sagarmala project, with projects worth more than Rs 24,000 crores being implemented in Kerala.