Why in News? 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Seaport (VIS) in Kerala. 

 About Vizhinjam International Seaport (VIS) 

• India’s First Deep-Water Transshipment Port, designed to handle container and multi-purpose cargo. 
• Developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP). 
• Operates on the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) basis. 
•  Strategic Location 
  • Positioned 10 nautical miles from major international shipping routes. 
  • Connects Europe, the Persian Gulf, and the Far East. 
  • Enables access for large vessels with a depth of 18 to 20 meters. 
•  Technological Advancements: 
  • India’s first semi-automated port. 
  • Equipped with an AI-driven control room. 
  • Features the first Indigenous Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) in India. 

Location of Vizhinjam Port