Countdown to August 18: Vizhinjam Port crosses final hurdles for full-scale EXIM operations launch

The Vizhinjam Port is all set to begin full-scale export-import (EXIM) operations from August 18 onwards.

This marks an important step in its two-year journey that will see it transform from India's first deep-water container transshipment port to a full-fledged international multi-purpose port.

The development was announced by Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, who added that this milestone would also coincide with the official launch of 'Mission Samudra'.

Announced under the Kerala Budget 2026, this flagship Rs 400 crore plan of the Satheesan-led state government aims to transform Kerala into a port state by integrating assets like ports, ship facilities, roads, railways, waterways, industrial zones, and greenfield cities into a unified maritime economy.

Apart from building new maritime facilities in the state and modernising its minor ports, the long-term plan also calls for Vizhinjam becoming the centre of its green bunkering push.

August 18 will also see the CM flag off the first export container from the Vizhinjam Port, after which the Kerala government will organise the Mission Samudra Business Summit, featuring global shipping companies, logistics firms, exporters, investors, and industry leaders.

Road to August 18

Back in April this year, the port received approval from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) after a recent inspection—a crucial step that allows it to handle containerised cargo.

This comes after strong demand for more cargo movement from the port, which currently houses an 800m berth under phase one, which can house two mother ships, or four feeder ships.

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As a part of phase two of its expansion operations, for which the port has received Rs 10,000 crore from Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited (AVPPL), its berth will be expanded from 800m to 1,200m by 2027, and then to 2,000m by 2028.

The National Highways Authority of India's (NHAI) approval of the safety measures required at the junction of the Vizhinjam Port approach road and NH66 is now the second-last hurdle before the state government can give its final proposal for gateway operations to begin at the port.

When gateway operations begin, 70 per cent of the port's cargo handled will still be transshipments, while the remainder will be gateway cargo.