Monday 05 / August / 2024
New Delhi: Indian Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal received the first mothership 'MV San Fernando' marking the beginning of operation at India's first deepwater container transhipment port here on Friday.
The ship, with a capacity of up to 9000 TEUs, docked at India's first automated port which is equipped with state of the art that offers large-scale automation for quick turnaround of vessels including the capacity to handle megamax containerships.
Kerala Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinari Vijayan was also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said, "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. This is a testament to the vision of 'Make in India' where a PPP collaboration among Govt of Kerala, Govt of India, as well as the Adani Port SEZ, has created a wonderful asset for the growth of India's maritime sector.
"Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, India is equipping and enabling entrepreneurial ventures and collaborating as and when required to build capacity for the cause of nation building. This wonderful achievement marks the beginning of a new era in the ports sector of the country. This is a big step towards realisation of the vision of PM Narendra Modi ji of creating world-class port infrastructure in the country." he added.
He further added, "In the same spirit of nation-building, our ministry, under the visionary guidance of PM Narendra Modi ji, is working towards the execution of mega port projects including All Weather Deep Draft Port at Vadhavan in Maharashtra and International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Galathea Bay in a mission mode."
Vizhinjam Port is a strategic maritime project near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. This is the first greenfield port project in India, initiated by a state Government with an investment exceeding Rs 18,000 crores. Developed under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode, it stands as one of the largest initiatives in the country's port sector.
Vizhinjam's strategic location near international shipping routes significantly reduces transit times for vessels, making it a pivotal point for maritime trade. As one of India's few natural deep-water ports, it can efficiently accommodate large cargo and container ships.
The development of the Vizhinjam International Seaport is poised to boost Kerala's economic growth by creating jobs, enhancing trade, and attracting investments. Ongoing infrastructure projects aim to equip the port with state-of-the-art facilities, including modern container terminals, warehouses, and logistics parks.
Vizhinjam is set to become a key player in regional trade, potentially serving as a gateway for commerce between Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Speaking further, Sarbananda 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.
"Today, with the operationalisation of Vizhinjam port, India is poised to reap the opportunity it creates in the region, and bringing healthy competition with Colombo and Singapore transhipment hubs. The government remains committed to enabling and equipping India's maritime sector as projects worth more than Rs 24,000 crores are being implemented in Kerala under the Sagarmala project - the flagship programme of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways. With dynamic global scenario impacting the maritime sector, this port offers a viable alternative and an option to major shipping lines to mitigate the disruptions in the global supply chain," he said.
