Archive · 18 Aug 2026
Vizhinjam Port Begins EXIM Operations as India’s Global Trade Gateway
Vizhinjam Port in Kerala has started handling goods that India sends abroad and receives from other countries.
It will also continue moving containers between international shipping services.
The port is close to major shipping routes, so ships can reach it efficiently.
The new service may reduce India’s dependence on foreign ports for transferring containers.
Businesses in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka can use the port more directly.
The port has already handled more than 2.28 million containers and 1,100 ships.
A planned expansion will add more berths, rail links, roads and logistics facilities.
The expansion is expected to increase the port’s yearly capacity to 5.7 million containers.
It is also expected to create more than 5,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Vizhinjam International Seaport has begun full-fledged export-import operations alongside transshipment services.
The port has handled more than 2.28 million TEUs and 1,100 vessels since December 2024.
EXIM operations initially cover Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, supporting South Indian businesses.
Adani Group’s cumulative Vizhinjam investment is expected to reach ₹30,000 crore after Phase 2.
The ₹16,000-crore Phase 2 expansion targets 5.7 million TEUs of annual capacity by December 2028.
- Who
- Vizhinjam International Seaport, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited, the Kerala government and businesses in South India.
- What
- Vizhinjam has commenced full-fledged EXIM operations for exported and imported cargo, in addition to transshipment.
- When
- Commercial operations began on 3 December 2024; the article does not specify the exact date of the EXIM launch.
- Where
- Vizhinjam International Seaport near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
- Why
- The operations are intended to improve maritime-trade efficiency, reduce reliance on overseas transshipment hubs and provide South Indian businesses with more direct international shipping access.
- Port
- Vizhinjam International Seaport
- Existing throughput
- More than 2.28 million TEUs and 1,100 vessels handled since commercial operations began
- Largest vessel handled
- MSC Irina, a 399.99-metre vessel with capacity for 24,346 TEUs
- Initial EXIM catchment
- Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka
- Cumulative investment
- ₹30,000 crore after the planned Phase 2 investment
- Phase 2 cost
- ₹16,000 crore
- Target completion
- Accelerated full-phase development targeted for December 2028