Vizhinjam Port in Kerala has taken on a crucial role as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains constrained by Iranian restrictions and a US naval blockade, reports New Delhi's Hindustan Times.

The port, inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi in May last year, has an annual capacity of up to five million TEU. It is India's first deep-water container transshipment port, built under a public-private partnership at a cost of INR 89 billion (US$ 104.8 million), operated by the Adani Group with the majority stake held by the Kerala government.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor described Vizhinjam as India's 'transshipment answer to the world', noting it handled 61 vessels last month and has 100 berthing calls pending. He stated that the port reached its one millionth TEU in record time and is now fast-tracking Phase II expansion.

Located about 10 nautical miles from a major international shipping route linking Europe, the Gulf, and the Far East, Vizhinjam benefits from a natural deep draft of 18 meters close to shore. This allows it to host ultra-large container ships requiring drafts of more than 20 meters, positioning it as a strategic hub for global cargo flows.