Thiruvananthapuram: The arrival of the first container vessel, mv “San Fernando,” on July 11 marked a historic moment for Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. This milestone is a long-awaited dream come true for the state, which has been anticipating this maiden reception for several years.
The mv “San Fernando,” with a capacity of 8,000 to 9,000 TEUs (Twenty Equivalent Units or 20-foot containers), arrived from Xiamen Port, China. The vessel is expected to offload around 2,000 containers at Vizhinjam. The port aims to provide services of international standard and is equipped with modern, sophisticated devices and advanced automation and IT systems.
The ship reached the outer area of the port before 7 am on July 11. Following international practices, a Harbour Pilot brought the ship into the port. The vessel was accorded a ceremonious “Water Salute” and was led by the large tug “Ocean Prestige” and smaller tugs from the “Dolphin” series.
Read More: UGC NET paper leak: JNU considering reverting to in-house entrance for PhD admission
Once berthed, the ship will begin offloading its containers and will then set sail for Colombo after the inaugural ceremony. This arrival signifies the beginning of trial operations for the Vizhinjam International Seaport, an ambitious project for the state of Kerala. The port is expected to be fully commissioned by September-October 2024 and will be Bharat’s first semi-automated port.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will officially receive the first ship, marking the commencement of regular commercial ship services at Vizhinjam. The ceremony will also be attended by Union Minister for Ports Sarbananda Sonowal, along with other Union and state ministers. Thousands of people are expected to be present at the event.
However, controversy has arisen as former Minister of Ports, Ahmed Devar Kovil, and Leader of the Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, were not invited to the program. Minister Vasavan dismissed the controversy, stating that this is merely a trial run and that everyone will be invited for the full-fledged commissioning.
The Congress party expressed dissatisfaction, citing their significant role in the project’s inception. The agreement for the port was signed on August 17, 2015, during the tenure of Congress veteran late Oommen Chandy as Chief Minister. Construction commenced on December 5, 2015, also under Chandy’s regime. Opposition UDF leaders believe that the ruling CPM-led Left Democratic Front is attempting to downplay the Congress’s contributions.
Vizhinjam International Seaport is promoted by the Government of Kerala in partnership with Adani Group through a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) arrangement. Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited (AVPPL), a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), oversees the project. The agreement, a concession agreement, was signed on August 17, 2015. Phases 2 and 3 of the project are expected to be completed by 2028.
AVPPL represents a significant impetus for the development of both Kerala and the entire country, signaling a new era of maritime trade and economic growth.
