"Adani Ports Plans ₹10,000 Crore Investment for New Transshipment Terminal".

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. is gearing up to significantly boost its investment to ₹10,000 crore ($1.2 billion) for the expansion of the Vizhinjam port in Kerala, aiming to attract some of the world's largest container ships.

Sources familiar with Adani Group's plans revealed that this investment forms part of the second phase of the Vizhinjam project, expected to be completed by 2028. The port, strategically located near India's southernmost tip with deep shipping channels, is poised to receive its first container vessel from Maersk on July 12 as part of a trial run at the 800-meter container berth.

"The expansion plans include lengthening the existing berth and extending the breakwater to enhance operational capabilities," sources stated, emphasizing the port's potential to cater to mega container ships that typically bypassed Indian ports due to depth limitations.

Vizhinjam, inaugurated in October, represents a strategic initiative by Gautam Adani's conglomerate to position India prominently in the global maritime trade landscape, competing with established hubs like Colombo, Dubai, and Singapore.

Adani Ports aims to attract major container lines such as MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co., A.P. Moller - Maersk A/S, and Hapag-Lloyd to call at Vizhinjam, leveraging its proximity to international shipping routes responsible for 30% of global cargo traffic.

"Plans also include bunkering facilities for ship fueling, acquisition of additional cranes to enhance capacity, and development of a cruise terminal capable of hosting luxury liners," sources added, highlighting the port's multifaceted growth strategy.

Representatives from Adani Group, Mediterranean Shipping, and Hapag-Lloyd were unavailable for immediate comment on the investment and expansion plans.

With this substantial investment, Adani Ports aims to position Vizhinjam as a key transshipment hub, facilitating the transfer of cargo between ships and bolstering India's maritime infrastructure to support larger vessels and international trade demands.

ET