The Vizhinjam International Seaport, operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) with the Kerala government, hit a major milestone in January 2026. It recorded its highest-ever monthly container throughput of 1,23,092 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs). The port also handled 62 vessels that month, the most in a single month since it started operations a year ago. The Gross Crane Rate reached a record 30.12 container lifts an hour, showing strong productivity gains. Vizhinjam has climbed to the 83rd spot worldwide among container ports by volume. Since opening, it has served 740 vessels and processed 1.57 million TEUs. Between December 2024 and January 2026, it handled more than 50 Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) over 399 meters long and over 160 vessels longer than 300 meters. Fifty ships with drafts over 16 meters also docked here during this period. MSC Verona set a regional record as the deepest-draft vessel handled in South Asia at 17.1 meters. MSC IRINA, the world’s largest container ship, also called at Vizhinjam. The port’s natural water depth of 18 to 20 meters, strong breakwater, and minimal dredging needs allow year-round operations. Strategically close to major east-west shipping routes, Vizhinjam offers a strong alternative to hubs like Dubai, Colombo, Singapore, and Port Klang. The port is now expanding with a ₹16,000 crore investment started on January 24, 2026. The plan will increase container berth length from 800 meters to 2,000 meters and extend the breakwater to 3,900 meters by 2028. When fully developed, Vizhinjam’s capacity will jump from 1 million TEUs to 5.7 million TEUs by 2029, making it a key player in global maritime trade.