By The Hindu Bureau
Copyright thehindu
A high-level delegation of ambassadors and senior diplomats from 17 European countries visited the Vizhinjam international seaport on Thursday, evincing international interest in its potential as a gateway for global trade and a leader in maritime development under the Blue Economy initiative.
The delegation, which included representatives from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden, was given a detailed overview of the port’s strategic capabilities and forward-looking initiatives.
Modern facilities
Divya S. Iyer, Director of VISL, and Pradeep Jayaraman, CEO of Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt. Ltd., highlighted the port’s advantages including its state-of-the-art facilities such as an AI-powered Vessel Traffic Management System, developed in collaboration with IIT-Madras, real-time tracking, and advanced technology for rapid container handling.
Officials detailed significant local investments, including the disbursement of ₹114 crore in compensation to approximately 2,980 residents and the construction of a modern fishing harbour at a cost of ₹250 crore. Further initiatives, such as providing free kerosene to 1,221 fishermen, plans for a new seafood park, and enhanced community amenities like an upgraded health centre and piped drinking water for over 1,400 fishing households, were also presented.
Eco-friendly infra
A key focus of the discussion was the port’s ambitious sustainability roadmap. The presentation outlined future projects centred on green hydrogen and ammonia, the promotion of LNG and other clean maritime fuels, and the development of eco-friendly infrastructure aligning with India’s “Green Shipping Revolution.”
Following the detailed briefing, the ambassadors toured the port’s key operational centres, including the Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) centre, the Planning Room, the Crane Operation Centre, and the main berth. The delegation engaged in highly interactive discussions, showing keen interest in the port’s technological advancements, community engagement, and green energy plans.
