"Berth Expansion at Vizhinjam Port Nears Completion"

The Vizhinjam Port is on the verge of commissioning, with the construction of an extended 800-meter berth nearing completion. Expected to be finished within the next 15-20 days, the new berth will enable the transshipment port, developed by Adani Ports, to accommodate two large or three smaller container ships simultaneously.

The expansion involves extending the existing 600-meter berth by an additional 200 meters, a development anticipated to be completed in time for the port’s commissioning in October, according to a port official. The port is currently in the testing phase.

The completed breakwater and the new 800-meter berth are part of the project's first phase. According to the official, there is no need for additional cranes at this stage as the existing 32 cranes at the 600-meter berth can be relocated for use at the extended section. The port's semi-automated systems are designed to enhance the efficiency of loading, unloading, and container handling processes.

Future expansion plans include two additional phases, which will extend the container berth to 2,000 meters. Once fully completed by 2028, the port will be able to accommodate up to five ships simultaneously and involve reclaiming approximately 129 acres from the sea.

Shipping companies have expressed significant interest in using Vizhinjam Port as an alternative to congested ports like Colombo and Singapore. During the trial phase, ships are being gradually introduced to test and refine operational processes. "Ships are being brought in one by one for systematic testing and optimization. We anticipate more ships will start arriving once the port is officially commissioned," the official added.

ET