Thiruvananthapuram: The Vizhinjam International Seaport will commence full export-import (EXIM) operations from August 18, marking its transition from a transshipment hub into a full-fledged international cargo gateway, the Kerala government announced on Saturday.
Chief Minister V D Satheesan will flag off the first export container, after which the state government will host the Mission Samudra Business Summit, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).
The summit will bring together global shipping companies, logistics firms, exporters, investors and industry leaders to explore investment and business opportunities in Kerala's maritime sector.
During the event, the state government will also officially launch Mission Samudra, its long-term maritime development initiative, and unveil Kerala's vision for maritime-led economic growth.
Developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model between the Kerala government and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), the Vizhinjam International Seaport has emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing container ports, the statement said.
According to the CMO, the port has handled two million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) within 18 months of commencing commercial operations and has welcomed some of the world's largest mother ships, demonstrating its capabilities as a world-class maritime hub.
The launch of EXIM services, included in the state government's 100-day action plan, is expected to transform Vizhinjam into a major export-import gateway by reducing logistics costs, improving supply chain efficiency, enhancing export competitiveness, and attracting investments while generating employment.
The commencement of EXIM operations also marks a significant milestone for Mission Samudra, which aims to integrate ports, logistics, manufacturing, inland waterways and multimodal connectivity to position Kerala as one of India's leading maritime and logistics hubs.
The CMO said Vizhinjam, India's first deep-water transshipment port and South Asia's first fully automated container port, will continue to operate as an open-access, common-user facility serving all shipping companies equally, strengthening India's position in global maritime trade.