Weekly Exclusive Report from Trivandrum Port, Kerala - Issue #05

10th February 2025 - 16th February 2025

Peace Corridor's First Vessel Raises Hopes for Trivandrum Port

Following the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, Red Sea navigation has tentatively resumed. Marine media report  CMA CGM Columba, departing from French Le Havre Port, is the first vessel to make this journey. The ship reached India's JNPT and Mundra ports after calling at Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, Jebel Ali and Karachi.

The Red Sea route became precarious after the hijacking of car carrier Galaxy Leader near Yemen on November 23rd, 2023. Subsequent missile attacks on vessels attempting this route led to a global maritime rerouting. In 2024 alone, approximately 700 vessels opted for the Cape of Good Hope route, despite it being 12% longer. The normalisation of the Suez-Red Sea route, which passes by Trivandrum Port, opens new possibilities for the region.

While Galaxy Leader's crew has been released, Yemen continues to hold the vessel.

75 Years of Maritime Heritage Comes to the Capital

As Trivandrum Port becomes operational, numerous shipping companies are considering establishing branches in the capital. Among the first prominent establishments is MBK Logistix Private Limited.

Founded in 1947 in Kochi as M. Bhasker Kini & Company, the firm later expanded as MBK Logistix. Mr M. Prabhakar Kini currently leads the company, which represents Sima Marine India, a leading coastal feeder services provider.

Their operations include significant warehouse and logistics capabilities, with 52 owned and 100 leased trucks, three acres of paved land, a 55,000 sq ft warehouse,  container handling equipment, and more.

'First Ship' Might Face Slight Delay

The MSC Jade service has become a familiar name among Trivandrum Port enthusiasts. MSC's massive vessels will call at Trivandrum Port through this service. Many have requested preparations to welcome the first 24,000 TEU series vessel.

Initially, the Jade service's maiden vessel MSC Mia was expected on Saturday, March 1st, according to MSC's first schedule. However, ship trackers indicate a possible 3-4 day delay.

Currently, the vessel is en route from Busan, South Korea to Ningbo, China. Trackers suggest she will likely reach Trivandrum Port around March 3rd or 4th after calling at Shanghai, Yantian, and Singapore ports. However, the Adani site maintains the ETA as March 1st. Regardless, locals are eagerly preparing to witness MSC Mia, measuring 399.9 metres in length—marking the first time a 22,000 TEU vessel will enter an Indian port.

Connecting Africa

The first direct vessel from Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania—a port operated by the Adani group—is expected to arrive soon. MSC's Tia V, part of the East Africa Express service, will reach Trivandrum on March 18th.

While services to and from African ports like Mombasa and Lome exist, this marks the first vessel arrival from Dar Es Salaam. Tia V reached Dar Es Salaam after calling at Mombasa and Beira ports.

The East Africa Express provides direct connectivity to the African market of 1.3 billion people. The journey to Trivandrum covers 2,429 nautical miles, taking eight days.

Trivandrum Port Planned Arrivals

17.Feb.25 to 23.Feb.25 - 17 vessels

Note: All times are in 24-hour format (IST). Schedule subject to change based on operational conditions.