Thiruvananthapuram : The long wait for the arrival of the first mothership at the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram is over as ‘MV San Fernando’ carrying 2000 containers arrived at the Seaport and thus marking a historic moment in the maritime sector.
The arrival of the first mothership was a long cherished dream of the people of Kerala, especially the trading and the business community who feels that the port will substantially improve the economic activities in the state and will help bringing more revenue for the state and the country.
The ship, with a capacity of 8,000 to 9,000 TEUs, set sail from Xiamen Port in China will utilise the services of Vizhinjam Port for handling 400 containers, and the port will provide international standard services. The ship, which started from Sri Lanka, reached the outer area before 7 am on Thursday. The harbour pilot brought the ship to the port. The vessel was welcomed with a water salute, led by the large tug Ocean Prestige and smaller tugs Dolphin Series 27, 28 and 35.
India’s first semi-automated container port will demonstrate its capabilities by unloading the containers. The port has 8 ship-to-shore cranes, including the largest in the category (1620-tonne) in the country, and 23-yard cranes. The ship-to-shore cranes are used to lift the containers from the ship and place them in the terminal track. The vessel will utilize Vizhinjam port services to manage the movements of 400 containers onboard.
The trials are crucial as they validate the Seaport’s readiness to meet global operational standards for parameters such as dwell times, vessel turnaround, and berth productivity. Real container handling during these tests is essential to ensure smooth operations before the port’s anticipated commissioning expected to be completed by October.
“The dreams have finally come to reality with the first mothership reaching the shores of Vizhinjam. The Ship San Fernando has arrived at the port. Tomorrow morning there will be an official welcome accorded for the ship”, said Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in his Facebook page.
Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest. Also in attendance will be Karan Adani, CEO of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), Shashi Tharoor MP, and other state dignitaries.
Vizhinjam to boost coastal shipping in the state
With the commencement of operations at Vizhinjam International Port, shipping services will be launched to other ports in the state as well. The Kerala Maritime Board has already begun discussions with private shipping companies to promote coastal shipping of goods, he said. At present, services can be launched to Kollam, Beypore and Azhikode ports which have basic infrastructure facilities for the same, he told the state Assembly. Efforts have already begun to improve infrastructure facilities in such ports.
The Board has begun several measures in this regard including seeking necessary permission from the Union government, increasing the depths of ports and construction of additional wharfs. Last week, the port authorities said the Vizhinjam International Seaport here has received its location code, a key milestone towards the commencement of its operations as a major transshipment hub.
The Kerala Maritime Board has already begun discussions with private shipping companies to promote coastal shipping of goods. At present, services can be launched to Kollam, Beypore and Azhikode ports which have basic infrastructure facilities for the same, he told the state Assembly. Efforts have already begun to improve infrastructure facilities in such ports.
The ship, with a capacity of 8,000 to 9,000 TEUs, set sail from Xiamen Port in China will utilise the services of Vizhinjam Port for handling 400 containers, and the port will provide international standard services. The ship, which started from Sri Lanka, reached the outer area before 7 am on Thursday. The harbour pilot brought the ship to the port. The vessel was welcomed with a water salute, led by the large tug Ocean Prestige and smaller tugs Dolphin Series 27, 28 and 35. Kerala States News India: Top News India, States News, States News Headlines, Online State News India, State Politics news
