Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala launched export-import operations on August 18. The move takes the port from a transshipment hub into a direct gateway for Indian cargo entering and leaving overseas markets.
South India gets the most direct benefit. The port's initial EXIM catchment covers Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, giving businesses in those states direct access to international shipping without routing through Colombo or Singapore. Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan attended the launch.
Since commercial operations started in December 2024, the port has handled 2.28 million TEUs across 1,100 ship calls, including over 80 ultra-large container ships. The EXIM launch is part of Mission Samudra, the Kerala government's port-led development plan, which ties Vizhinjam to a planned cluster of industrial zones and three new cities along Kerala's coast.
Vizhinjam port opens to export-import trade, targeting South India’s cargo
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