Vizhinjam Port disrupts regional shipping dynamics with aggressive expansion. Transshipment volumes at DP World-operated ICTT Vallarpadam plummeted nearly 50 percent to 85,911 TEUs in FY26 from 170,000 TEUs previously, reflecting intensifying port competition in India's maritime sector. Overall cargo throughput declined 8 percent to 767,948 TEUs. Vizhinjam's natural draft of 18 meters enables handling of ultra-large container vessels, providing competitive advantage over Vallarpadam's 14.5-meter channel depth. Since commercial operations began December 2024, Vizhinjam handled 1.857 million TEUs across 890 ships, averaging 120,000 containers monthly. DP World maintains steady exim growth of 5.6 percent and coastal stability, yet faces structural disadvantage.
