Trivandrum: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Sunday said rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz had unexpectedly increased traffic at Kerala’s Vizhinjam International Seaport, describing the development as a strategic opportunity for India’s maritime sector.
In a post on X, Tharoor said nearly 100 ships were either waiting in queue or seeking berthing calls at the port, indicating that disruptions in traditional Gulf shipping routes were prompting global operators to look for alternatives. “The Strait of Hormuz crisis has shifted global shipping eyes to my constituency,” he wrote.
Tharoor highlighted the rapid rise of Vizhinjam, India’s first deep-water transshipment hub, saying it had handled its one millionth TEU in record time and was moving swiftly into its second phase of expansion. He added that the port handled 61 vessels in March 2026 alone, marking a new operational high.
“…From handling its 1 millionth TEU in record time to fast-tracking Phase II, Vizhinjam is officially India’s transshipment 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..” he wrote.
He said the expansion would allow the port to host up to five mother ships simultaneously, significantly boosting capacity. According to him, Vizhinjam was emerging as a serious competitor to established regional hubs such as Colombo and Singapore.
“…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…” he adds.
Vizhinjam, located close to a major international shipping lane off Kerala’s coast, has long been projected as a major logistics gateway for India.
