Vizhinjam Port Makes History as India’s Deepest-Draft Container Ship Berths

Thiruvananthapuram: Vizhinjam port has firmly established itself as a significant hub in global cargo shipping. In just ten months since commercial operations began in December 2024, the port has handled 500 ships, underscoring its growing strategic and economic importance.

Today, MSC Verona, the container ship with the deepest draft ever handled in India, berthed at Vizhinjam with a draft of 17.1 meters, setting a new national record. Remarkably, the port achieved two records in a single day, highlighting its rapid development and world-class capabilities.

V N Vasavan, Kerala’s Port Minister, reflected on the milestone in a Facebook post. He emphasized that Vizhinjam’s growth is a source of pride for every Malayali and explained the importance of draft in shipping operations. “Draft determines a ship’s safe navigation and cargo capacity. The berthing of MSC Verona confirms that Vizhinjam’s natural depth exceeds 18.6 meters,” he stated. He added that the tagline “Vizhinjam – Thiruvananthapuram – Kerala – India” resonates with pride for Malayalis worldwide.

Draft refers to the vertical distance from the bottom of a ship’s hull to the water surface. It is crucial for safe navigation and determining cargo capacity. A deeper draft allows ships to carry more cargo safely while maintaining necessary clearance from the seabed, enhancing operational efficiency.

With these milestones, Vizhinjam is not only strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure but also emerging as a symbol of Kerala’s ambition and pride on the global shipping map.