Thiruvananthapuram, May 28 (PTI) The Adani Group-operated Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala has handled over 2 million twenty-foot equivalent units within just 18 months of commencing operations, becoming the fastest Indian facility to achieve the milestone.

According to the port operator, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd, Vizhinjam crossed the 1 million TEU mark in August 2025 and has now doubled that figure within a short span after trial operations began in July 2024.

The port was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2025.

“Vizhinjam International Seaport has become the fastest Indian port to cross both the 1 million TEU and 2 million TEU milestones since commencing operations in 2024,” the company said in a statement on Thursday.

The port has handled over 950 vessels so far, including 67 ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs).

It has also berthed some of the world’s largest container ships, including MSC Irina, described as the world’s largest container vessel, and MSC Verona, among the deepest-draft vessels to call at an Indian port.

Located around 10 nautical miles from the busy east-west international shipping route, Vizhinjam is being positioned as a major transshipment hub connecting South Asia, West Asia, Europe, Africa and South America.

The port has a natural draft of around 20 metres, enabling large vessels to dock without significant dredging.

Shipping operators say the location helps reduce transit time and fuel costs, making the port attractive for global trade routes increasingly affected by geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.

For decades, a significant portion of India’s transshipment cargo has been handled at foreign ports.

With Vizhinjam scaling up rapidly, India aims to retain more of this cargo domestically and reduce dependence on overseas hubs.

The port is also expected to expand further.

Phase II development is underway with an investment of around Rs 16,000 crore and is expected to be completed by 2028.

Once completed, the expansion will significantly enhance container handling capacity and support full-scale export-import operations.

APSEZ also said it recently became the first Indian integrated transport utility to handle over 500 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo in a single year. PTI TGB SSK

Container transshipment growth accelerates as Vizhinjam Seaport scales up handling and expansion capacity. Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala has crossed 2 million TEUs within 18 months of commencing operations, making it the fastest Indian port to reach both the 1 million TEU and 2 million TEU milestones. The port has handled over 950 vessels, including ultra-large container vessels, and its location and natural deep draft support transshipment activity. Phase II expansion is underway with major investment and is expected to enhance container handling capacity by 2028.