Weekly Exclusive Report from Trivandrum Port, Kerala - Issue #08
03 March - 09 March 2025
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TRV's competition is not Chennai!
When February 2025's container figures were released, even Kerala's government was taken aback. The Chief Minister himself announced that Trivandrum Port (TRV) had surpassed several Indian ports to reach the top position. This reveals an observational oversight—missing the forest for the trees.
In February's rankings, TRV topped the list of private ports/terminals along India's south-eastern coast in container handling. TRV processed 78,833 TEU while Chennai's PSA terminal came second with 70,344 TEU. Thirteen other terminals trailed behind.
A port handling 78,833 containers in a month is hardly an achievement in itself. It appears significant only when compared with other Indian ports. In reality, these figures highlight the poor performance of India's other ports. If TRV's operations should be benchmarked against anyone, it should be at minimum Colombo Port. In January 2025, when TRV handled 85,637 TEU in transhipment, Colombo Port processed 525,768 containers in transhipment alone. Their total January throughput was 657,728 TEU (131,960 EXIM).
In transhipment terms, TRV currently doesn't come close to Colombo. It's not fair to compare a newborn TRV with Colombo's container port, which has approximately half a century of experience. Nevertheless, TRV's future growth and targets should be measured against Colombo Port at the very least.
Why track a ship that won't call at TRV?
Sometimes one must do so because we need to study global developments, particularly in the maritime sector. That's why we decided to follow the journey of the new vessel CMA CGM Iron. As of writing, she is in the Andaman Sea, travelling from Singapore to Abu Dhabi, expected to pass by Trivandrum Port (TRV).
Following AP Maersk Moller group's pioneering efforts in methanol-powered shipping, French company CMA CGM is also entering this field. CMA CGM ordered 12 methanol-capable vessels from HD Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries in South Korea in 2023. The first of these, the 13,000 TEU capacity CMA CGM Iron, was launched recently.
Although approximately 25 ships are currently sailing with methanol capability, figures indicate waning interest compared to two or three years ago. Concerns about methanol fuel availability worldwide are prompting shipping companies to reconsider. Nevertheless, current projections suggest about 300 methanol-powered vessels will be at sea by 2030. Of these, approximately 200 will be container ships capable of calling at Trivandrum Port. If each such vessel requires 50-200 tonnes of methanol daily, the total methanol demand is considerable.
Countries like China and the UAE are striving to gain the upper hand in methanol production. CIMC ENRIC in China's Guangdong province is establishing a plant with an annual production capacity of 50,000 tonnes. Meanwhile, the UAE has begun constructing a 1.8 million-tonne annual capacity plant in Al Ruwais. This project, undertaken by Samsung E&A, has a budget of $1.7 billion. Additionally, some Indian companies are working to produce methanol from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). As production increases, shipping companies are more likely to focus on methanol-based vessels.
Three ships at two berths
Three vessels—MSC Makato II (CB1), Mila 3 (CB1), and Alizee III (CB2)—were simultaneously at Trivandrum Port's two berths for 24 hours last Friday (07.03.25). These figures stand up to global comparison.
The growth statistics of a port that hasn't officially launched or received gateway cargo in six months offer encouraging signs. Setting aside July and August 2024, when only four ships arrived, vessels began calling regularly from September. With just days remaining in the financial year, the port has already welcomed 205 ships and handled over 400,000 containers—no small achievement. The monthly vessel count is notably increasing: July 3, August 1, September 12, October 23, November 29, December 38, January 43, February 41, and in March's first week alone, 15 vessels. The port demonstrated 150% operational efficiency by accommodating three vessels simultaneously at two berths on 07.03.25. February's port utilisation of 77.87% is expected to be surpassed in March, particularly as megamax vessels from the Jade service arrive one after another.
TRV attracts $725m in investment commitments
International companies have pledged Rs 6,250 crore ($725m) in investments across various sectors linked to the TRV project. These commitments, initially secured during January's Vizhinjam Conclave in Trivandrum, have now been formalised as Expressions of Interest (EOI) with Invest Kerala.
Twelve companies have submitted EOIs for projects ranging from Rs 50 crore ($5.8m) to Rs 5,000 crore ($580m). Operations are expected to commence once domestic cargo handling begins at TRV.
The most significant commitment comes from a Dubai-based firm planning an Inland Container Terminal worth Rs 5,000 crore ($580m). Construction will begin as soon as the government allocates land. The group already operates one of India's largest Inland Container Depots on 110 acres in New Delhi, with 47 rail connections nationwide. Their entry is expected to attract further international investment.
These projects should become fully operational within two to five years after initial formalities are completed. The state government has begun the process of identifying and acquiring the necessary land.
Discussions with additional potential investors continue, with more memoranda of understanding expected once current EOIs are processed.
Trivandrum Airport Vacancies!
- Shift Incharge
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Apply before 31.Mar.25
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