Vizhinjam Gears Up for Full EXIM Operations Starting August 18

Vizhinjam International Port will begin full export-import (EXIM) operations from August 18, shifting from its current transshipment-only role to that of a complete international cargo gateway. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan is set to flag off the first export container at the launch event.

Alongside this, the State Government will host the ‘Mission Samudra’ business summit, bringing together global shipping lines, logistics firms, exporters, investors and industry leaders to showcase Kerala’s maritime growth strategy and formally launch the Mission Samudra initiative.

Developed as a public-private partnership between the Kerala Government and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), Vizhinjam has become one of the world’s fastest-growing container ports, crossing 2 million TEUs within 18 months of starting operations and hosting some of the largest mother vessels globally.

The EXIM launch, part of the State’s 100-day action plan, will make Vizhinjam a comprehensive export-import hub. It’s expected to reduce freight costs, improve supply chain efficiency, boost export competitiveness, and attract fresh investment and jobs.

This marks a major milestone in Kerala’s long-term maritime strategy. Mission Samudra aims to establish the state as a leading maritime and logistics hub by integrating ports, logistics infrastructure, manufacturing, inland waterways and multimodal connectivity.

Vizhinjam — India’s first deep-sea transshipment port and South Asia’s first fully automated container port — will remain an open-access, common-user facility for all shipping lines, further strengthening India’s global maritime trade position, per a Chief Minister’s Office release.