Crew Change Operations Resume at Vizhinjam International Seaport

Vizhinjam International Seaport has introduced formal procedures for crew sign-on, sign-off and shore leave, strengthening the port’s services for visiting vessels and international seafarers, in a move expected to boost the port’s maritime business ecosystem.

What do the new procedures cover?

The procedures, issued by Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited and effective from February 1, 2026, cover Indian-flag coastal vessels, foreign-flag vessels and Indian vessels operating on international routes. Shipping agents are required to submit crew details and supporting documents to the port in advance, while agents handling foreign-flag vessels and Indian vessels on non-coastal routes must first secure the necessary permissions from Customs and Immigration. Crew members must also carry original documents during entry or exit from the terminal.

How will sign-on and sign-off operations work?

The revised provisions permit crew sign-on and sign-off for vessels calling within port limits, including those at berth and designated anchorage areas. For vessels berthed within port limits, the facility can be extended to both Indian and foreign-flag vessels and to Indian and foreign seafarers, subject to a written request from the vessel’s master or shipping agent.

What are the rules around shore leave?

Vizhinjam has introduced a structured shore leave process, with foreign and international-route crew required to hold shore passes issued by Immigration, while Indian crew on coastal vessels can access the shore under port-controlled procedures. Shore leave is permitted between 6 am and 11.59 pm. Since the container terminal is pedestrian-free, shipping agents must arrange transport between the vessel and the port security gate.

What is the track record of crew change operations in the region?

Crew change is not new to Vizhinjam. Operations conducted through the Kerala Maritime Board’s facility between 2020 and 2022 handled more than 12,000 seafarer movements across 735 vessel calls, demonstrating strong demand for the service in the region.

What does this mean for Vizhinjam’s broader maritime ecosystem?

The introduction of formal crew change procedures at the international container terminal adds an important marine service to Vizhinjam’s offerings. It is expected to reduce operational delays for shipping lines while generating new demand for vessel agencies, crew transport, accommodation, medical support and other maritime services around the port.