While Congress credits Vizhinjam project to the efforts of former CM Chandy, the left claims that Pinarayi's support was instrumental.
Published Jul 13, 2024 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 13, 2024 | 9:00 AM
San Fernando sailing to Vizhinjam International Seaport Thiruvananthapuram
Mired in political debates and concerns from local fisherfolk, Kerala’s ambitious Vizhinjam International Seaport Thiruvananthapuram project, entered the trial run phase on 12 July. The seaport, dubbed the ‘port of the future’ is anticipated to be commissioned this year.
The project, the largest private sector investment in Kerala, marks India’s first deep draft transshipment port as well as India’s first semi-automated port. It’s a collaborative endeavour between the Union Government, Kerala Government, and Adani Ports.
Operated from a strategic location at the southern tip of India in Thiruvananthapuram, it is poised to transform the country’s maritime trade.
It is the first Greenfield port project in India, initiated by the Kerala government with an investment exceeding ₹18,000 crores. Developed under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode, it stands as one of the largest initiatives in the country’s port sector.
One of the major takeaways of the seaport is that it lies just 10 nautical miles (19 km) from the busy east-west international shipping route connecting Europe, the Persian Gulf, Southeast Asia, and the Far East.
Port infrastructure
Another feature is its promise of the quick turnaround time of vessels, (referring to the duration it takes for a vessel to complete a round trip from one point to another and return to its original location) because of its state-of-the-art infrastructure facilities.
The natural deep draft of 18m, scalable to 20m, is also an attractive factor as it can efficiently accommodate large cargo and container ships including megamax container ships.
The Ministry of Shipping assesses that Vizhinjam is set to become a key player in regional trade, potentially serving as a gateway for commerce between Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
According to the ministry, the need for a transshipment hub is huge in the country as ‘currently, nearly 75 percent of India’s Transshipment cargo is handled at ports outside India.’
Vizhinjam International Seaport Thiruvananthapuram
The ministry assesses that the ports of Colombo, Singapore, and Klang handle more than 85 percent of this cargo.
“Developing a port into a transshipment hub will accrue significant benefits such as forex savings, foreign direct investment, increased economic activity at other Indian ports, development of related logistics infrastructure, employment generation, improved operation/logistics efficiencies and increase in revenue share. Several other allied businesses viz. ship chandlery-ship supplies, ship repair, crew change facility, logistics value-added services, warehousing and bunkering also come up at the transshipment port,” reads an excerpt of the observation made by the ministry.
In addition to this, the development of the Vizhinjam Seaport is poised to boost Kerala’s economic growth by creating jobs, enhancing trade, and attracting investments.
Marking the beginning of operation at Vizhinjam, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and other dignitaries received the first mother ship ‘MV San Fernando’, with a capacity up to 9000 TEUs, on 12 July.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and other dignitaries during the welcoming of the mothership
According to Sonowal, 12 July has become a historic day for the maritime sector of India as the maiden mothership docked at Vizhinjam.
“This is the testament of the vision of ‘Make in India’ where a PPP collaboration among the Government of Kerala, the Governemnt of India as well as the Adani Port SEZ has created a wonderful asset for the growth of India’s maritime sector. This wonderful achievement marks the beginning of a new era in the ports sector of the country,” he said.
The Union Minister also added that with the operationalisation of Vizhinjam port, India is poised to reap the opportunity it creates in the region, and bringing healthy competition with Colombo and Singapore transshipment hubs.
San Fernando
“With dynamic global scenario impacting the maritime sector, this port offers a viable alternative and an option for major shipping lines to mitigate the disruptions in the global supply chain,” he added.
According to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Vizhinjam will now have a significant place in the global maritime map and it’s a dream come true moment for Kerala.
“This project marks a significant milestone in Kerala’s developmental landscape. Because of this, India will emerge as a powerful presence in the global maritime sector. This project is also expected to boost Kerala’s economic sector,” the CM said.
It is said that the concessionaire, Adani Vizhinjam Ports Private Limited, is planning to handle 1.5 million TEUs, which is 50 percent more than its projected figure, that is 1 million TEUs per annum in Phase 1.
It was announced by Director of Adani Ports Karan Adani during the function to welcom the first mothership.
“We already have 600 meters of operational quay length and we are preparing 7,500 container yard slots to accept cargo. While we are expected to handle 1 million TEUs per annum in Phase 1, we are confident that we will handle 1.5 million TEUs,” he explained.
While saying that the concessionaire created 2000 direct and indirect jobs in construction, operations and other segments, he also added that 5,500 additional direct and indirect employment opportunities will emerge soon.
Despite the port’s promising prospects, local fisherfolk have expressed apprehensions about the potential disruption of their livelihoods due to increased maritime traffic. They also highlight the unmet promises of local employment opportunities by the concessionaire.
Paniyadima, a fisherfolk at Vizhinjam Harbour, told South First, “We fear that our fishing activities will get affected. We are of the fear that the arrival of ships might affect our livelihoods. The government must step in.”
Paniyadima
According to Francis, another fisherfolk at Vizhinjam Harbour, the port so far has done no good to the local fisherfolk.
Francis
“Everyone says that port means development. But we are skeptical. So far, this port has done no good for us. Even it had not ensured the promised local employment. Only a miniscule of the local population works there,” he told South First.
Politically, the Vizhinjam project has sparked disputes over credit for its fruition.
The Congress party credits the project to the efforts of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy’s government, while the left claims that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s steadfast support was instrumental in realizing the port.
This becomes more evident when the Chief Minister stated that it was the left governments who made this project a reality.
Responding to this, MLA M Vincent stated that credit should be given to Chandy as he worked this project from a clean slate. Vincent also reminded that the former CM had to face several hardships including judicial and vigilance inquiries while moving ahead with the project.
Later, Speaker AN Shamseer, in a Facebook post said that this historic moment will not be completed without remembering the dedication and contributions of late Ommen Chandy.
As Vizhinjam Seaport embarks on its operational phase, it stands as a beacon of potential for India’s maritime ambitions, promising to reshape the nation’s role in global shipping. However, it must navigate the turbulent waters of local concerns and political rivalries. Striking a balance between progress and community welfare will be crucial.
(Edited by Neena)
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