THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : Kerala’s Vizhinjam International Seaport will commence Export-Import Operations Today, 18 August after receiving final clearance from the CBIC.
A new chapter in India’s maritime journey is set to begin today at Vizhinjam International Seaport, with the launch of Gateway EXIM operations and the flagging off of the port’s first Export-Import (EXIM) container. The landmark development is set to strengthen Kerala’s direct maritime connectivity with global markets and further enhance India’s position on the international shipping map.
At a ceremony scheduled for 10:45 AM today, Shri V. D. Satheesan will flag off the first export container, formally marking the commencement of gateway cargo operations at the Adani-operated deep-water port.
The maiden export shipment will carry Kerala food products, including jackfruit chips and Marayoor jaggery, destined for Valencia, Spain, aboard the MSC MARIE LESLIE. The movement of locally produced Kerala products to an international market will symbolise the opening of a new and more direct trade gateway for exporters from the State and the wider southern Indian region.
The launch marks a significant evolution in Vizhinjam’s role within India’s maritime logistics ecosystem. Until now, the port has primarily handled transshipment operations, facilitating the movement of containers between large mother vessels and feeder ships. With the commencement of Gateway EXIM operations, Vizhinjam will add direct export-import cargo handling to its growing portfolio, connecting the Indian hinterland more directly with international shipping routes.
The new gateway operations are expected to provide exporters with greater connectivity, improved supply-chain efficiency and more competitive transit times, while reducing dependence on alternative regional gateways for certain international shipments.
A key advantage of the new service will be its connectivity with European and other international markets. Shipments from Vizhinjam are expected to reach Europe in around 22 days, compared with approximately 40 days through some alternative regional routes, while journeys to North America are expected to take around 35 days. Faster and more predictable transit times could provide significant benefits to exporters of time-sensitive and high-value products.
MSC has announced two services supporting exports from Vizhinjam. The Himalaya Express will connect the port with destinations including Portugal, Valencia, Barcelona and Italy, while the India-Africa Service will provide connectivity to countries in southwestern Africa.
These services are expected to expand the international market access available to exporters through Vizhinjam and strengthen Kerala’s integration with global trade corridors.
The commencement of gateway EXIM operations is particularly significant for Kerala’s agricultural, food-processing and manufacturing sectors. The first shipment, carrying traditional and value-added food products, highlights the potential for local enterprises and exporters to leverage the port’s global connectivity to reach new markets.
Vizhinjam’s strategic location, deep-water capabilities and ability to accommodate large container vessels give it considerable potential to emerge as a major hub in the Indian Ocean maritime network. The addition of gateway EXIM operations, alongside its transshipment capabilities, is expected to further strengthen the port’s strategic importance.
The development could also generate wider economic benefits for Kerala by supporting export growth, strengthening logistics networks, attracting investment and creating new opportunities for businesses connected to maritime trade.
The launch of Gateway EXIM operations at Vizhinjam therefore represents more than the movement of the first export container. It marks the beginning of a new phase in the port’s development—one that is expected to provide Indian exporters, particularly those in Kerala and southern India, with faster and more direct access to global markets.
With the first EXIM container set to sail today, Vizhinjam is poised to open a new gateway to global trade and take its place as an important pillar of India’s emerging maritime and logistics network.
From Kerala’s local products to global markets, Vizhinjam begins a new chapter in India’s maritime journey today.
