Why in the News?

Prime Minister has formally commissioned India’s first deep-sea transshipment port at Vizhinjam in Kerala.

About Vizhinjam Port

Vizhinjam Port is India’s first deep-sea transshipment port located near Thiruvananthapuram.
Developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the port cost ₹8,900 crore to build.
It is operated by Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt. Ltd., with a 61.5% stake held by Kerala’s government and 9.6% by the Central government.
Commercial operations began in December 2024, following a trial run in July 2024.
The port has handled 285 ships and processed 5.48 lakh TEUs since its operational launch.
Positioned just 10 nautical miles from a major international shipping route, it provides quick access to global trade lanes.

It is India’s first semi-automated port, utilizing AI-powered control rooms and the Indigenous Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS).
Its deep natural draft (up to 24 meters) allows it to accommodate Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs).
The current infrastructure includes a 3,000-meter breakwater and an 800-meter container berth, with full capacity expected by 2028–29 at 6.2 million TEUs annually.
The port is designed as a multi-purpose, green port, ensuring year-round operations.
Positioned 20 kilometers from Trivandrum International Airport, it offers seamless air-sea connectivity.

[UPSC 2023] Consider the following pairs:

Port—–Well known as

1. Kamarajar Port—-First major port in India registered as a company

2. Mundra Port—–Largest privately owned port in India

3. Visakhapatnam—-Largest container port in India

Options: (a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs* (c) All three pairs (d) None of the pairs