Vizhinjam Port Threatens Colombo’s Maritime Dominance in South Asia
- CNL Reporter
- May 3, 2025
- News
- South Asia
- 0 Comments
India has launched a new deep-sea port in Kerala that could disrupt Colombo’s long-standing dominance in South Asian maritime trade. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday formally inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, marking a strategic shift in regional shipping dynamics.
Developed by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd in partnership with the Indian government, Vizhinjam port is designed to handle ultra-large cargo vessels. Previously, India relied heavily on foreign ports, including Colombo, for 75% of its transshipment needs—incurring substantial revenue losses. With Vizhinjam, that dependency is expected to reduce sharply.
Boasting a natural depth of nearly 20 metres and located close to international shipping lanes, the port has already handled over 285 vessels since trial runs began in July 2024. It is India’s first semi-automated port and features an AI-based vessel traffic system developed with IIT Madras.
