India welcomed its first cargo ship at its newly built semi-automated transshipment port in Vizhinjam International Transshipment Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport, Kerala.
Transshipment Port
- It is a transit hub where cargo from one ship is transferred to another on the way to its final destination. (includes rails, roads, etc.)
- Smaller parcels of cargo are loaded on a bigger ship which is able to travel to distant ports in other countries.
Why Vizhinjam
Strategic Location:
-
-
- It’s located just 10 nautical miles from the international shipping route.
- This route connects Europe, the Persian Gulf, and the Far East.
-
- Natural Advantage:
-
-
- The port has a deep draft of 18m.
- Its curvilinear coast mitigates tsunami impact.
- The port’s positioning results in only mild erosion.
- These factors help in minimizing maintenance costs.
-
- Trans-shipment Hub:
-
- Vizhinjam is strategically positioned to become a transshipment hub.
- It can consolidate and transfer Indian and regional origin cargo to mainline vessels.
- This can be done at lower costs compared to competitors.