Kerala: Vizhinjam Port Makes History With Arrival Of First Mothership 'San Fernando'

San Fernando is set to offload 1,900 containers on Friday coinciding with the launch of the port's first phase of operations by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

San Fernando carries large containers destined to be transferred to other ships for further transportation to various ports within India and abroad.

Source : Special arrangement

The container ship 'San Fernando' from China docked at Kerala's Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL) on Thursday marking a significant milestone as the first such vessel to arrive at India's largest transhipment port.

The 300-meter-long cargo ship was welcomed with a ceremonial water salute by four tugs, which guided it to the dock. San Fernando is set to offload 1,900 containers on Friday, coinciding with the launch of the port's first phase of operations by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

San Fernando carries large containers destined to be transferred to other ships for further transportation to various ports within India and abroad. The inaugural ceremony will be graced by dignitaries including Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, along with central and state ministers, officials, and members of the public.

 

#WATCH | Kerala | The first mothership of Vizhinjam International Seaport, San Fernando, a Maersk Line Vessel arrives at the seaport's outer point, in Thiruvananthapuram.

Vizhinjam International Port, developed under a public-private partnership model, began construction in… pic.twitter.com/IXupBCab5w

— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2024

 

On Wednesday, Chief Minister Vijayan expressed his excitement in a Facebook post, stating, "The dream is approaching the shore. The first mothership is reaching Kerala's Vizhinjam port. San Fernando will be officially welcomed on behalf of Kerala tomorrow."

Vizhinjam, equipped with modern equipment and advanced automation and IT systems, is set to become India's first semi-automated port, with full commissioning expected by September or October 2024. Kerala Minister for Ports and Cooperatives V N Vasavan highlighted the port's natural depth and unique rocky ocean bottom, which eliminates the need for extensive dredging, as per a report on PTI.

Meanwhile, Vizhinjam is an Adani Group-led greenfield terminal. The event is expected to give a big boost to India and its global ambition.