Vizhinjam to begin direct EXIM cargo operations from Aug 18: Shashi Tharoor
New Delhi, Aug 14
Direct export-import cargo movement at Kerala's Vizhinjam International Seaport will begin from August 18 which is a major step in the port's transition from an international transhipment hub to a gateway for India's overseas trade, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said on Friday.
Taking to the social media platform X, Tharoor welcomed the development and said that the commencement of direct EXIM cargo movement would mark the first major milestone towards ensuring that Kerala begins to receive direct economic benefits from the international port.
"As MP representing the area, I am delighted about this news," Tharoor said.
Vizhinjam has so far primarily handled transshipment operations, involving the transfer of containers between large mother vessels and feeder ships.
Tharoor further noted that around 60 per cent of the containers handled at the port so far have been containers originating from or destined for other countries.
In addition, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will formally inaugurate the commencement of EXIM operations.
With the launch, Vizhinjam will begin handling cargo originating from and destined for Indian importers and exporters, substantially expanding its commercial role in the country's maritime sector.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Customs (Preventive), Kochi, issued the detailed operational framework governing the commencement of gateway cargo operations.
The port -- located near Thiruvananthapuram -- is one of India's deepest-water ports and has been developed as a major international transhipment hub.
The direct EXIM operations are expected to provide businesses in Kerala and neighbouring regions with greater access to international shipping services and strengthen the state's position in the global maritime logistics network.
The operational framework for the new gateway cargo services provides for a phased rollout of customs and cargo-handling procedures.
In the initial phase, import operations are expected to focus on direct port delivery of full-container-load cargo, while exports will include factory-stuffed and sealed full-container-load consignments.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great news for Kerala's exporters, especially the spices, seafood, and coir industries. Direct gateway operations mean lower costs and faster turnaround. But Shashi Tharoor ji should also push for better road and rail connectivity to the port—otherwise, the last-mile problem will eat into these benefits.
Good development, but I'm a bit skeptical. Vizhinjam was supposed to be India's answer to Colombo and Singapore for transhipment. Now they're shifting to EXIM—does this mean we're giving up on the transhipment dream? Or is this a strategic add-on? Need clarity from the port authorities. 🤔
As a small business owner in Kochi, this is a huge relief. Earlier, we had to route our exports through Colombo or Cochin port with extra handling charges. Direct EXIM from Vizhinjam could cut costs by at least 15-20%. Kudos to the CM and Tharoor for pushing this through. Let's hope the infrastructure keeps up!
Impressive engineering feat, but India needs more than one deep-water port. Vizhinjam's success will depend on how quickly they scale up and integrate with the national logistics grid. Also, will the tariffs be competitive with Colombo? Otherwise, shippers might still prefer the old routes.
This is fantastic! Kerala has always been a maritime state but we never had a proper gateway port. Direct EXIM means our cashew, rubber, and textile exporters won't have to depend on transit through other states. Just hope the customs clearance is streamlined and doesn't become another bureaucratic bottleneck.
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