KMB plans major revamp for Vizhinjam minor port

With just four days remaining for the commissioning of the Vizhinjam International Seaport, Kerala Maritime Board’s (KMB) minor port at Vizhinjam is preparing for a major transformation. The minor port is set to be redeveloped into a commercial facility under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, with state govt approval expected next month.

Located adjacent to the Adani-operated Vizhinjam International Seaport and the fishing harbour, the minor port will be upgraded to berth small and mid-sized ships for commercial operations. The existing 160-metre wharf will be refurbished to accommodate these vessels. The KMB has submitted the redevelopment proposal to the ports department, and CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s decision is awaited.

The plan is to upgrade this small port into a medium-sized commercial port by refurbishing the seaward and leeward wharves. We expect the govt’s decision by May. Preliminary work for the tender proceedings has also begun. Once approved, bids will be invited to select a private partner, possibly even Adani, according to KMB.

Talks are already ongoing with shipping companies to launch ferry services that would integrate with Adani’s international seaport. In addition to ferry services, small container ships can also berth at the upgraded minor port, potentially supporting Adani’s operations.

Meanwhile, construction of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) berth at the port was completed earlier this month by the state govt’s harbour engineering department. The ICG is bearing the construction cost, estimated at Rs 25 crore. Currently, a fast patrol vessel and three IB/IC class ships operate from a temporary berth provided by the KMB.

The construction of a permanent berth had been delayed for years due to the presence of the abandoned tugboat MV Brahmekshara, which sank at Vizhinjam wharf in 2018. The tugboat was finally removed by a Kochi-based company and auctioned off by the government in Oct 2022.

Additionally, the state govt has approved the construction of a new fishing harbour near the Vizhinjam International Seaport at a cost of Rs 271 crore, based on designs by the Central Water and Power Research Station.