Image Credits : BBC
The arrival of MSC’s mega-ship ‘Deila’ at Vizhinjam Port in Kerala marks a milestone for India’s maritime sector. The vessel, one of the largest container ships in the world, docked at the port on August 29, 2024, signalling the strategic importance of Vizhinjam as a key hub in global shipping routes.
Operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), ‘Deila’ is a part of the company’s ultra-large container vessel (ULCV) fleet, boasting a carrying capacity of over 23,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). The docking of such a colossal ship at Vizhinjam underscores the port’s readiness to handle some of the world’s largest vessels, enhancing its status as a crucial gateway for international trade.
Vizhinjam Port, strategically located near the international shipping routes in the Indian Ocean, has been developed to become a transhipment hub and reduce the dependency on foreign ports for the transhipment of Indian cargo. The port’s deep draft and state-of-the-art infrastructure make it ideally suited for accommodating ULCVs like ‘Deila.’
The arrival of ‘Deila’ not only demonstrates the operational capabilities of Vizhinjam Port but also highlights its potential to attract major shipping lines. MSC’s decision to dock ‘Deila’ at Vizhinjam is a clear indication of the port’s strategic value in the global shipping network, particularly for routes connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa.
The docking was accompanied by a welcome ceremony attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from MSC, port authorities, and local government officials. Speaking at the event, officials emphasized the economic benefits that the port’s operations would bring to the region, including job creation, increased trade, and the potential to position Kerala as a significant participant in global maritime trade.
The Vizhinjam International Seaport, developed by Adani Ports and SEZ, is poised to play a transformative role in India’s maritime landscape. Once fully operational, it is expected to reduce logistics costs, improve the efficiency of India’s export-import trade, and enhance the country’s competitiveness in global markets.
The arrival of ‘Deila’ is also significant in the context of India’s broader maritime ambitions. As the country seeks to expand its influence in the Indian Ocean Region, ports like Vizhinjam are crucial to ensuring that India can effectively manage and facilitate global maritime trade.
The event also drew attention to the ongoing development projects at Vizhinjam, with officials highlighting future expansions that will further increase the port’s capacity and capabilities. With the successful docking of ‘Deila,’ Vizhinjam Port has taken a major step towards realizing its potential as a world-class transhipment hub, set to rival some of the largest ports globally.