A new milestone has been achieved at the Vizhinjam International Port with the launch of ship-to-ship bunkering services for fuelling vessels.
In a key operational development, the container ship MSC Akiteta, anchored in the outer waters of Vizhinjam, received Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) from the bunkering vessel Mt Shaun 1, operated by Adani Bunkering Company.
Notably, Mt Shaun 1 is the same vessel that had earlier been detained following a Kerala High Court order in connection with the sinking of MSC Elsa 3 off the state’s coast.
Minister V. Vasavan said the launch of ship-to-ship bunkering will significantly reduce dependence on foreign ports for refuelling vessels operating along India’s west coast.
He added that Vizhinjam, which is rapidly emerging as India’s premier transshipment hub, is poised to become a refuelling centre for leading global shipping lines in the near future.
Bunkering refers to the process of refuelling a ship. As part of the project’s second phase, additional bunkering facilities are being developed at Vizhinjam.
At present, vessels arriving at Vizhinjam refuel from Kochi, which often compels them to carry large fuel reserves. This limits their cargo-carrying capacity, as more fuel means less space for goods.
With the new system in place, ships can now sail into Vizhinjam carrying maximum cargo, refuel at sea, and continue their onward journey efficiently.
At present, vessels operating from Kerala’s coast depend on Colombo port for refuelling. With the launch of bunkering facilities at Vizhinjam, ships will now be able to refuel locally, reducing both time and cost.
The move is expected to generate significant additional revenue for both the central and state governments, while enhancing Kerala’s maritime competitiveness.
Until now, bunkering services in India were largely limited to major ports such as Kochi, Mumbai and Chennai. The new facility at Vizhinjam marks a major step in positioning Kerala on the global shipping map.