VIZHINJAM: The docking of MSC Kayley, a massive vessel sailing under the Liberian flag, at the yet-to-be-commissioned Vizhinjam Port has sent a clear signal to the global maritime industry — Vizhinjam is ready to handle ships of any draught, solidifying its potential as a future transshipment hub.
Anchor customer
Discussions are currently ongoing between MSC and the port’s operator, Adani, to make MSC the anchor customer for the port, ensuring regular traffic of ultra-large vessels and cementing Vizhinjam’s reputation on the global stage.
Even before its official commissioning, Vizhinjam International Seaport made a significant mark by welcoming the largest container ship ever to berth at an Indian port.
The MSC Kayley, which arrived from Singapore, boasts a draught of 16.5 metres — the second-deepest ever recorded at an Indian port.
20-mette natural depth
This event not only showcases Vizhinjam’s natural depth advantage but also positions it as a competitive player in the global shipping landscape.
As the second-highest draught for any vessel docking at an Indian port, surpassed only by another Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) vessel at Mundra Port, this feat underscores Vizhinjam’s capacity to accommodate Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs).
With a natural depth reaching 20 metres in certain areas, Vizhinjam’s deep-water capabilities require minimal dredging, making it a highly attractive option for major shipping lines.
Record indeed
“This is a record indeed,” said Sreekumar K Nair, CEO of Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd (VISL), further emphasising that few other Indian ports could handle such draughts, reinforcing the port’s ability to cater to massive container vessels.
Located just 10 nautical miles from critical international shipping lanes, Vizhinjam is ideally positioned to emerge as a significant transshipment hub.
Next is MSC Claude Girardet
The arrival of MSC Kayley is just the beginning. The port is already preparing to welcome MSC Claude Girardet, an even larger container ship, in mid-September, further demonstrating its readiness to handle the largest vessels in the world and proving its place in the future of global shipping.
With ULCVs reshaping the shipping industry, Vizhinjam’s ability to accommodate these giants promises a game-changing future for India’s maritime sector.
