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Kerala’s Vizhinjam International Seaport is set to commence full export-import (EXIM) operations from August 18. The transition marks the port’s evolution from a dedicated transshipment hub into a comprehensive international cargo gateway capable of handling both transshipment and gateway cargo, strengthening India’s position in global shipping and supply chains.
Since commercial operations began, Vizhinjam has primarily focused on transshipment cargo, enabling containers to be transferred between mother vessels and feeder services. The introduction of full EXIM operations will now allow exporters and importers to move cargo directly through the port, reducing dependence on overseas hubs such as Colombo, Singapore and Dubai for gateway shipments. This is expected to improve transit efficiency, lower logistics costs and shorten cargo movement timelines for businesses across southern India.
The commencement of EXIM services is expected to provide a major boost to Kerala’s export ecosystem, while also benefiting neighbouring manufacturing and industrial centres. Direct handling of import and export cargo is likely to enhance supply chain reliability, create new business opportunities for logistics service providers, freight forwarders, customs brokers and transport operators, and improve multimodal connectivity in the region.
Developed under a public-private partnership between the Government of Kerala and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), Vizhinjam is India’s first dedicated deep-water transshipment port. Its strategic location, just a short distance from one of the world’s busiest east-west international shipping routes, enables ultra-large container vessels to berth without significant deviation from their sailing path. The port’s natural deep draft and modern automated infrastructure further strengthen its competitiveness as a global maritime gateway.
The launch of full EXIM operations will coincide with the state government’s ‘Mission Samudra’ initiative, aimed at attracting investments across shipping, logistics, warehousing, port-led industries and allied infrastructure. Industry stakeholders expect the initiative to accelerate industrial growth, generate employment and reinforce Kerala’s role as an emerging logistics hub on India’s western coast.
For India’s logistics sector, the development represents another step towards enhancing domestic port infrastructure, reducing cargo diversion to foreign ports and strengthening the country’s ambition of becoming a leading maritime and global supply chain hub. As gateway cargo operations commence, Vizhinjam is expected to play a pivotal role in improving trade competitiveness and supporting India’s long-term vision of expanding its maritime economy.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE (1996 batch) and Chairperson of V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, has assumed the additional charge of Chairperson of Paradip Port Authority (PPA), effective September 1, 2026. The additional responsibility has been entrusted to him by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India. Purohit brings extensive experience across port administration, infrastructure development, engineering, public policy and public-sector management. Before taking charge at Paradip, he served as Joint Secretary in the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, where he was involved in policy development and sectoral initiatives. His career has also included important assignments with Indian Railways, the Ministry of Power and the Government of Odisha. His appointment comes at an important stage in Paradip Port’s development as the port continues to expand capacity, strengthen connectivity and modernise its operations. According to PPA, the immediate focus under his additional charge will include infrastructure and connectivity enhancement, improved operational efficiency, modernisation of cargo-handling systems and greater emphasis on green and sustainable port development. In his Chairperson’s message, Purohit highlighted Paradip Port’s evolution as a major gateway for international and coastal trade serving the hinterland of Odisha and the eastern and central regions of India. He pointed to projects such as the Western Dock Expansion, berth mechanisation, deep-draft facilities and integrated traffic and cargo management systems as key elements of the port’s modernisation programme. He also underlined the importance of digital transformation, automation and technology-led solutions in improving cargo movement and transparency. “These advancements strengthen Paradip Port’s competitiveness and position it as a future-ready logistics hub,” Purohit said. Purohit will continue to serve as Chairperson of V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority alongside his additional responsibility at Paradip. His leadership is expected to support PPA’s efforts to strengthen its role in India’s maritime and logistics ecosystem while advancing the broader objectives of Maritime Vision 2030 and a globally competitive maritime sector. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Davies Turner is introducing a seasonal full-container-load (FCL) service from China to the UK using the Northern Sea Route, with a scheduled transit time of 21 days from Ningbo to Felixstowe. The freight forwarder will use sailings operated by Sea Legend for the new service, branded the Polar Silk Road. The programme is scheduled to run from August through October 2026, with departures planned at close to weekly intervals during the Arctic navigation season. The service is aimed at shippers seeking shorter transit times than conventional ocean freight without moving to the significantly higher cost of air freight. Cargo will be collected from six Chinese ports — Dalian, Fuzhou, Nansha, Qingdao, Shanghai and Taicang — and consolidated at Ningbo before being shipped to Felixstowe. From the UK port, Davies Turner will use its existing distribution network to move containers to destinations across the UK and mainland Europe. The Northern Sea Route runs along Russia's Arctic coast and provides a shorter maritime connection between Asia and northern Europe than routes through the Suez Canal or around the Cape of Good Hope. Its use is limited by seasonal navigation conditions, making the new service a temporary addition to Davies Turner's China-Europe offering. The company said the service is intended to give importers another option during the peak shipping period, particularly for cargo where conventional sea freight does not meet required delivery times. Tony Cole, Davies Turner's head of ocean, said the service would add another multimodal option for customers managing transit times and transport costs. The Polar Silk Road forms part of Davies Turner's wider expansion of its China-origin logistics network. The company has more than 150 years of experience in freight forwarding and provides sea, air and road transport, customs services, warehousing and supply chain operations. The Northern Sea Route service is scheduled to operate for an eight-week programme between August and October 2026. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such news.
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has continued its strong growth trajectory by recording double-digit growth in both container traffic and overall cargo handling during the first four months of FY2026-27. The port handled 29,94,859 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of container traffic and 36.62 million tonnes of total cargo between April and July 2026, reaffirming its position as a key gateway for the country’s maritime trade. The latest operational data shows that container throughput grew by 14.37% year-on-year, while overall cargo volumes increased by 11.95% compared with the corresponding period of the previous financial year. The sustained performance reflects JNPA’s continued focus on operational efficiency, infrastructure development and seamless cargo movement across the logistics value chain. According to JNPA, the growth has been driven by improved vessel turnaround time, enhanced cargo handling efficiency, higher terminal productivity and better multimodal connectivity. The collaborative efforts of terminal operators, shipping lines, logistics service providers, customs authorities and other stakeholders have also played a crucial role in sustaining the port’s momentum. The port’s investments in modern infrastructure, digital initiatives and capacity augmentation have enabled it to efficiently manage rising cargo volumes while maintaining reliable and efficient operations. Its integrated road and rail connectivity, supported by ongoing modernisation programmes, continues to strengthen JNPA’s position as one of India’s leading logistics and container handling hubs. Performance highlights released by the authority indicate that JNPA handled 7,45,059 TEUs of containers and 8.78 million tonnes of cargo in July 2026 alone, registering year-on-year growth of 11.48% and 3.18%, respectively. During the April–July period, the port also handled 2,317 container rakes, with rail movement accounting for 391,563 TEUs, underlining the importance of multimodal transport in facilitating efficient cargo evacuation. The encouraging results underscore the resilience of India’s maritime sector and the growing confidence of global shipping lines and trade partners in JNPA’s capabilities. As international trade volumes continue to expand, the port remains focused on enhancing customer experience through faster cargo evacuation, improved logistics efficiency and sustainable port operations. With continued investments in infrastructure and technology, JNPA is well-positioned to support India’s expanding trade ambitions while contributing to the Government’s vision of developing the country into a globally competitive maritime and logistics hub. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
