The Vizhinjam International Transshipment Seaport in Kerala has been notified as a customs port, paving the way for export and import cargo operations. This development is expected to transform Vizhinjam into another gateway for India’s exports and imports, boosting container movement and providing a major fillip to Kerala’s economy.
Since commencing operations in July 2024, Vizhinjam has functioned solely as a transshipment hub, handling container ships and transferring containers from one vessel to another. However, with the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs notifying the port as a customs port, export and import operations are set to begin on August 18. This launch is part of the state government’s 100-day action plan and is expected to reduce logistics costs, improve supply chain efficiency, enhance exporters’ competitiveness, attract investment, and generate employment.
Developed under the PPP model by the Kerala government and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), Vizhinjam International Seaport has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing container ports. Within 18 months of commencing commercial operations, it handled 2 million TEUs of container traffic. The port has already handled some of the world’s largest container ships and has completed road connectivity for container movement. A dedicated rail link is also planned, which will connect Vizhinjam with the Balaramapuram railway line between Thiruvananthapuram and Nagercoil.
The customs notification has laid down conditions for export and import operations. Since no container freight station (CFS) has been attached to or designated for Vizhinjam, the port will handle only the direct movement of full containers. Loose cargo or containers requiring de-stuffing or CFS examination will not be allowed. Imported containers must be moved directly from the terminal to the importer’s premises within 48 hours of landing. For exports, the port will accept only fully loaded containers that are ready for shipment.
The opening of the seaport for direct export and import marks another milestone for Vizhinjam. The port’s emergence as a full-fledged export-import gateway is expected to have a significant impact on the state’s economy and generate jobs in shipping, logistics, and allied sectors.
