Vizhinjam International Seaport has begun full-fledged export-import operations, marking a significant expansion of its role in India’s maritime trade network. The Kerala port, which initially operated primarily as a transshipment hub, can now handle cargo being directly exported from or imported into India. The development is expected to provide businesses across South India with more direct access to international shipping routes while reducing dependence on foreign transshipment ports.

Vizhinjam is located around 10 nautical miles from major international shipping routes and has a natural draft of about 18 to 20 metres. This allows the port to accommodate some of the world’s largest container vessels, including Ultra Large Container Vessels. The facility is expected to benefit businesses in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, particularly manufacturing and commercial centres such as Bengaluru, Coimbatore and Tiruppur, by improving access to international markets.

The shift to direct EXIM operations could also help reduce costs and transit times for Indian exporters and importers. More than 75 per cent of India’s container transshipment cargo currently moves through foreign ports, adding to logistics expenses and increasing transit time. Handling a larger share of this cargo domestically could make supply chains more efficient while creating additional demand for warehousing, freight forwarding, transportation and other logistics services.

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Vizhinjam began commercial operations on December 3, 2024, and has already handled more than 2.28 million twenty-foot equivalent units and around 1,100 vessels, according to the report. The port crossed one million TEUs within 10 months and reached two million TEUs in 18 months. It has also handled more than 80 Ultra Large Container Vessels, including the 399.99-metre-long MSC Irina, which has a capacity of 24,346 TEUs.

The port’s next major phase involves an estimated Rs 16,000 crore expansion, which is expected to increase its annual handling capacity to 5.7 million TEUs. The project will add 1,200 metres of container berth, permanent rail connectivity, improved road links, logistics parks and warehouses. The accelerated completion of the expansion is targeted for December 2028, with cumulative investment by the Adani Group in the Vizhinjam project expected to reach Rs 30,000 crore.

The expansion is also expected to create more than 5,000 additional direct and indirect jobs and strengthen the wider logistics ecosystem. Improved road and rail connectivity will be important to maximise the port’s potential, with the Kerala government planning investments for supporting infrastructure. With its strategic location, deep draft and expanding capacity, Vizhinjam is positioned to become a more important gateway for Indian goods, helping strengthen the country’s links with global shipping networks and international markets.

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