NEW DELHI, Apr 19: While the Strait of Hormuz has effectively remained closed over the West Asia war hitting the energy market in the world, a different story is unfolding on the coasts of India, that of Kerala’s Vizhinjam port.
Taking to X, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has shared how the port has emerged as a reliable maritime hub amid a global shipping crisis. “100 ships. One destination. The Strait of Hormuz crisis has shifted global shipping eyes to my constituency! Thiruvananthapuram’s Vizhinjam Port is currently seeing a massive surge with 100 vessels in queue or seeking calls,” Tharoor said in an online post.
Vizhinjam port is operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ). Tharoor called the port India’s “transhipment answer” to the world, sharing the feats that it has achieved. “From handling its 1 millionth TEU in record time to fast-tracking Phase II, Vizhinjam is officially India’s transhipment answer to the world. When I first helped bring in the tender bid that made the port a reality, it was a long-shot project with plenty of sceptics and critics,” the Congress veteran said.
While Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route in the Gulf, faces disruptions, and the world is looking for a new and reliable gateway, Vizhinjam has answered the call, his post read. “Today, the tides are turning at Vizhinjam…India’s first deep-water transhipment hub is no longer just a project; it’s a global necessity,” the Thiruvananthapuram MP added.
Pointing out the pending expansions, a proud Tharoor called the moment the “birth of a maritime giant” that sets a new standard for global shipping. “61 vessels handled in March 2026 alone, a new record. 100 berthing calls pending. Expansion underway to accommodate 5 motherships simultaneously. We are witnessing the birth of a maritime giant that doesn’t just compete with global hubs like Colombo or Singapore; it sets a new standard. Posted by a very proud MP,” he said.
(Manas Dasgupta)
