Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the trial run of Vizhinjam Port in the presence of Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in his inaugural speech that a long time dream has come true and Kerala thanks all those who have supported it. The chief minister said that ports are the biggest driving force for economic development. There are only a handful of such ports in the world. The Chief Minister said that India has taken a place on the world map through this.
A long time dream came true. Ports are the driving force of economic growth. Vizhinjam is one of the major ports in the world. Motherships will arrive in abundance. The largest ships in the world can berth there. Although today is a trial run, the operation of Vizhinjam port will start from today. The Chief Minister said that soon it will be fully operational.
The Chief Minister unveiled the plaque marking the arrival of the first mothership. Monsignor Nicholas, vicar of Vizhinjam parish participated in the ceremony. Ministers gave gifts to the captain and crew of the ship. State Ports Minister V.N. Vasavan will preside. Ministers, MPs, MLAs and others participated.
The first cargo ship docked at the port yesterday. The container ship ‘San Fernando’ was enthusiastically welcomed to the berth. The port could be commissioned in September or October this year. With this, Vizhinjam will be the country’s first semi-automated port with state-of-the-art equipment, automation and IT systems. The port became a reality with the special interest of the central government.
Larger ships will be launched as soon as the trial operation is underway. Containers unloaded at the port by large vessels are transported by smaller vessels to overseas and various ports of the country. With this, transshipment will take place at Vizhinjam port at full scale.
