Nearly 280 locals from fishing community handle operations of Vizhinjam port

Like him, around 280 people from the local fishing community are working in different capacities in the Adani Ports-run transshipment facility, which is gearing up for commissioning in Dec. They pilot ships, handle containers and operate machinery, leveraging extensive training and sea experience. On Wednesday, 16 Oct  their expertise became evident during a strong ocean swell, which helped them secure and shift ships efficiently.

State ports minister VN Vasavan recently told reporters that 56% of the workers at the port are hired from the local community, already fulfilling a clause in the agreement with Adani Ports. The port has 511 employees.

“I completed a month-long training in Kochi on mooring operations, which included hands-on experience at Kochi port.

I find the work more manageable here, likely due to my familiarity with the sea. It’s rewarding to have a fulfilling job in my hometown. As part of a 15-member team, I collaborate closely to secure vessels by tying mooring ropes to quay bollards,” said Abraham. The team successfully moored 29 ships in a month during the port’s trial period, showcasing expertise in the most crucial aspect of port operation. Mooring operations require 7-12 personnel depending on the ship’s size.

“People, including women from the local community, work in different departments. They work at the administrative office, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and handle security,” said an official of Adani Ports.

Besides this, a Thiruvananthapuram-based shipping company has also started attracting container ships to the port.

Manoj Nair, managing director, Waterline Shipping and Logistics Pvt Ltd, said, “Our staff successfully moored all the ships that came to the port. Now, we talk to international shipping companies, explain the opportunities the port offers and tell them to send their ships. The company brought a feeder ship, Asterios, from Singapore, which loaded 790 containers and left for Salalah in Oman. This shows that local companies too can bring ships to Vizhinjam.”

State govt’s additional skilling acquisition programme (ASAP) is considering introducing more port-related courses so that there is potential to recruit more locals for shipping-related jobs. This follows the successful training and appointment of 17 truck operators and 24 laskars. The next batch of students will be admitted soon, Vasavan had informed the assembly.