Indian ports are becoming more competitive and cheaper by cutting down the vessel handling charges. Following the trial calls by major shipping lines, APSEZ has announced significantly attractive service rates at its new Vizhinjam Port. Vessel-related charges (VRC) for Vizhinjam calls have now been set substantially lower than the rating scale at Sri Lanka’s Colombo Port. According to the prevailing tariffs, a 30,000 DWT ship requiring 24 hours stay at the Vizhinjam Port is charged $10,000 towards vessel related charges, as compared to $21,000 at Colombo. The container handling charges at Vizhinjam are also said to be competitive.
Vizhinjam offers deep draught able to handle ultra-large container vessels and locational advantages due to its proximity to the busy east-west international shipping route. The terminal has also been equipped with more advanced harbour cranes and sophisticated automated systems. “Once we complete the automation and the vessel traffic management system, Vizhinjam will be in a class of its own as one of the most technologically sophisticated transshipment ports in the world,” says Karan Adani, MD, APSEZ.
