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A view of the Vizhinjam international seaport in Thiruvananthapuram | Photo Credit: NIRMAL HARINDRAN

Setting a new milestone in Kerala’s economic growth and maritime sector, EXIM (export-import) operations at the Vizhinjam international seaport is set to commence on August 18, 2026.

According to a statement issued by the Office of Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Saturday, the commencement of EXIM operations will transform Vizhinjam from a transshipment port into a full-fledged international cargo gateway.

The launch of EXIM services, as part of the government’s 100-day action plan, will enable Vizhinjam to become a complete export-import gateway. This will reduce freight transportation costs, improve supply chain efficiency, enhance export competitiveness, and create new investment and employment opportunities, said the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister will flag off the first export container. A ‘Mission Samudra’ business summit will also be organised soon. The conference, which will be attended by global shipping companies, logistics firms, exporters, investors, and industry leaders, will present Kerala’s maritime economic development vision and officially announce Mission Samudra.

The Vizhinjam port, developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model by the Kerala government and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), has emerged as one of the fastest-growing container ports in the world. The port has also demonstrated its capability as a world-class maritime hub by handling 2 million TEUs within 18 months of commencing commercial operations and by receiving the world’s largest container motherships.

The commencement of EXIM operations also marks a major milestone in the State government’s long-term maritime development initiative, Mission Samudra. The project aims to transform Kerala into one of the country’s leading maritime and logistics hubs by integrating ports, logistics, manufacturing, inland waterways, and multimodal connectivity.

Vizhinjam, India’s first deep-sea transshipment port and South Asia’s first fully automated container port, will continue to operate as an open-access, common-user port for all shipping companies. This will further strengthen India’s position in the global maritime trade arena, the Chief Minister said.

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