Thiruvananthapuram | August 18, 2026 | INFRAINTEL Bureau
Export-import operations have formally commenced at the Vizhinjam International Seaport following the flagging off of two containers from the deep-water facility.
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan inaugurated the operations in the presence of Industries, Information Technology and Commerce Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty and Congress MLA M. Vincent.
The commencement of EXIM activity follows the successful completion of a trial shipment in which the port’s first export container was transported to Valencia, Spain.
The state government has held discussions with investor groups to identify opportunities for expanding export-import operations through Vizhinjam. It has assured regulatory facilitation, infrastructure support and administrative assistance to companies seeking to route international cargo through the port.
Alongside the start of EXIM operations, the government plans to launch ‘Mission Samudra’, a port-led industrial and logistics development programme. The initiative is expected to encourage investment in warehousing, logistics, processing, manufacturing and other port-linked economic activities.
Vizhinjam has been developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited under a public-private partnership model. The estimated project cost is ₹8,867 crore.
The port received its commercial commissioning certificate in December 2024 and was dedicated to the nation in May 2025. Its natural depth and location close to major international shipping routes provide it with the potential to handle large container vessels and transshipment traffic.
The commencement of direct export-import operations represents an important shift from the port’s initial transshipment-focused activity. It could provide exporters and importers in Kerala and neighbouring regions with improved access to international shipping networks.
The port’s broader economic contribution will depend on efficient road and rail connectivity, competitive cargo-handling charges, customs capacity, warehousing availability and the development of supporting industrial clusters.
If these linkages are developed effectively, Vizhinjam could strengthen Kerala’s role in India’s maritime economy while generating employment and attracting new investment in logistics, manufacturing and export-oriented industries.