The first mother ship, equipped with 40 cranes
The Vizhinjam Port, Kerala’s flagship project, is finally nearing completion after facing significant delays. The state government has announced that the first mother ship, equipped with 40 cranes from China, is expected to arrive at the port in September and dock there. Port authorities anticipate that the port will be fully operational by September 2024. The completion of the port is expected to have a transformative impact not only on Kerala but also on the entire country, as it will handle 80% of transshipments to India, which currently take place in Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai.
The construction of the port, initiated during the Congress-led UDF government under Chief Minister Oommen Chandy (2011-16), began towards the end of Chandy’s tenure. However, under the subsequent Pinarayi Vijayan government, the project faced delays due to various reasons. The construction site was affected by cyclone Ockhi in 2017, causing damage to the breakwater, and a shortage of limestone, a crucial raw material, further contributed to the delays.
The total cost of the port project is Rs 7,525 crore, with the state government contributing 500 acres of land. Although authorities now state that the first mother ship will berth in September, last year the State Ports Minister had mentioned a March 2023 arrival and the commissioning of the first phase of the port in September 2023.
As per the agreement, Adani will operate the port for 40 years, with a possible extension of 20 more years. The state government will receive a portion of the port’s revenue after 15 years. The project is expected to create a significant number of jobs, both direct and indirect, with approximately one lakh employment opportunities anticipated. Therefore, the arrival of the first mother ship in September is eagerly anticipated.
