Karan Adani Confirms Vizhinjam Port to Handle All Indian Transshipment Within a Year
New Delhi | May 2, 2025 — In a landmark development for India’s maritime sector, Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), announced that all Indian transshipment cargo will be handled through the newly inaugurated Vizhinjam International Seaport within a year. The statement follows the official commissioning of the port by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.
Developed at an estimated cost of ₹8,867 crore, the Vizhinjam Port in Kerala is now one of India’s most strategically located and technologically advanced seaports. Positioned just 10 nautical miles from key international shipping routes, the port promises to drastically reduce India’s reliance on foreign transshipment hubs such as Singapore, Colombo, Salalah, and Dubai.
“Vizhinjam is much better equipped, and within a year, you’ll see all Indian ships being transshipped from here,” said Karan Adani, speaking to the media after the inauguration event. “Our ultimate goal is to reduce logistics costs by 30% by increasing operational efficiency and cutting down turnaround time.”
Massive Revenue Potential
Currently, nearly 75% of India’s transshipment cargo is handled outside the country, leading to an estimated annual revenue loss of USD 200–220 million. With the commissioning of Vizhinjam, the Indian government and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) aim to bring that business back home.
Karan Adani, Managing Director of APSEZ, has emphasized the port’s strategic importance, stating that Vizhinjam will soon handle all Indian transshipment cargo. His leadership is seen as crucial in driving India’s vision to reduce reliance on foreign ports and retain valuable revenue within the country.
The port’s depth and proximity to key global trade routes make it an ideal hub for cargo movement between Europe, the Persian Gulf, and the Far East. It is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s position in the global maritime logistics chain.
Vizhinjam’s location offers a significant geographic advantage, being the closest and deepest Indian port to the major global shipping routes. This allows for quicker docking, reduced fuel costs, and better turnaround times for cargo ships.
The commissioning of this mega-infrastructure project marks a major milestone in India’s port modernization drive. It also strengthens the country’s goal of becoming a self-reliant logistics hub, aligned with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.
With Karan Adani at the helm and strong backing from the central government, Vizhinjam International Seaport is poised to become a game-changer for India’s shipping and logistics industry.