Vizhinjam Port Begins EXIM Operations, Marking Major Shift In India’s Maritime Trade

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Tuesday declared the start of full-fledged export-import operations at Vizhinjam International Seaport, describing the development as the opening of a new maritime gateway for the state and the country. Before addressing the gathering, Satheesan stood at the port gate and waved two containers into the facility, marking the commencement of land-based EXIM operations. He said Kerala must now use the deep-water transshipment port to connect its products directly with global markets.

Calling it a significant day for Kerala, Satheesan said the port could help transform the state into a major maritime economy and generate new opportunities for trade, investment and employment. He acknowledged that delays in developing road and rail connectivity to Vizhinjam over the past decade had affected the port's potential, but said the state still had an opportunity to make full use of the facility. He also assured that there would be no further delay in supporting infrastructure and said agencies had been directed to acquire land for logistics parks and related projects.

The Chief Minister outlined an initiative named 'Mission Samudra', aimed at connecting Kerala's two major ports with its network of minor ports while making greater use of the state's nearly 600-km coastline. The plan is also expected to promote water-based transportation and expand maritime-linked economic activity. Satheesan announced proposals for a cruise terminal in Kochi, with the state offering land to the Cochin Port Authority, as well as plans for an oceanarium and maritime museum. The proposed projects are intended to connect Kerala's maritime infrastructure with tourism, education and other sectors.

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Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty described the launch as a major milestone in Kerala's development journey. He said the first EXIM consignments included traditional Kerala food and snack products destined for European markets and urged exporters to undertake international road shows to promote products from the state. Under Mission Samudra, the government also plans academic programmes and logistics and maritime-related projects, with the aim of creating more employment opportunities for students within Kerala.

Ashwani Gupta, CEO of Adani Vizhinjam Port, described the EXIM launch as a new gateway connecting Kerala and India with global trade. He said the port has a capacity of 2.3 million TEUs, which could cater to a significant share of India's container market. Gupta said more than Rs 7,700 crore had been invested in the project so far, while Phase II is planned with an additional investment of Rs 16,000 crore. He also recalled the inauguration of the port by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2, 2025, and pointed to Vizhinjam's ability to handle ultra-large vessels and its automated systems.

The commencement of EXIM operations marks a shift in Vizhinjam's role from a major infrastructure project to an operational gateway for Kerala's international trade. The state government is now seeking to build logistics, transport, tourism and maritime-related infrastructure around the port to maximise its economic potential. With direct export-import activity beginning, Vizhinjam is positioned as a central part of Kerala's proposed maritime expansion and its efforts to strengthen links with global markets.

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