It has been reported that Maersk plans to pilot transhipment of Indian cargo through Vizhinjam Port. Some of the cargo which the shipping line used to move through the Colombo Port will be migrated to Vizhinjam Port. Vessel San Fernando of Maersk carrying 8700 teus will be making a trial call at the Indian transhipment port this week. At present this seems to be an adhoc call, but in all probability it will turn into a regular call said an industry insider, considering the growing pressure on Colombo Port from shipping lines making a detour around the Cape of Good Hope. Most of the containers onboard San Fernando are destined for Kolkata and will be distributed through feeder vessels.
On several routes that Maersk and Hapag Lloyd will be operating under the Gemini cooperation, Vizhinjam stands a chance to operate as a transhipment hub, as compared to Colombo Port. The key strengths of Vizhinjam include a 20 metres draft, proximity to east-west shipping lane and geographical proximity to Colombo Port.
