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Thiruvananthapuram: Vizhinjam International Seaport has officially commenced full-scale Export-Import (EXIM) operations, opening a direct maritime gateway for cargo from South India to global markets.
The launch was marked by the flag-off of the port’s first commercial export consignment to Valencia, Spain. The shipment, comprising frozen traditional food products from Thiruvananthapuram-based Nilamel Exporters, highlights the potential for the port to reduce transit times for exporters by eliminating overseas transhipment points.
According to the port, shipments to European markets that previously took nearly 60 days could now reach their destinations in around 24 days by avoiding transhipment through hubs such as Colombo, Singapore and Dubai.
The commencement of direct EXIM services marks a significant expansion of Vizhinjam’s role, positioning it not only as a transhipment facility but also as a gateway for inbound and outbound international cargo from the region.
Ashwani Gupta, CEO and Director, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), said the company plans to invest an additional ₹16,000 crore to expand the port’s container-handling capacity from 1.6 million TEUs to 5.7 million TEUs.
The expanded capacity is expected to strengthen Vizhinjam’s position as a major container hub in the Indian Ocean region as cargo volumes increase.
The direct EXIM connectivity is also expected to benefit exporters across Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka by reducing transhipment-related costs and shortening supply chain turnaround times. Key commodities from the region include spices, cashew, marine products, handlooms and manufactured goods.
Vizhinjam’s location further supports its role as an international gateway. The port has a natural depth of around 20–24 metres and is located approximately 10 nautical miles from the major east-west international shipping route, allowing it to accommodate large container vessels with limited dredging requirements.
The port also uses an automated container-handling system supported by artificial intelligence and algorithm-driven operations, aimed at improving cargo-handling efficiency and safety.
With direct EXIM operations now underway and a major capacity expansion planned, Vizhinjam is emerging as an important addition to India’s maritime infrastructure and its efforts to connect domestic exporters more directly with global trade routes.
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Iran is preparing to announce a new restricted maritime zone in the Gulf and a proposed international shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, raising fresh concerns for global shipping, energy security and supply chains. The move comes amid heightened military tensions in the region and a sharp decline in vessel movements through the strategically vital waterway. Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said the proposed restricted zone would begin from the point where the US blockade of Iran starts and extend into parts of the Gulf. Under the proposed arrangement, vessels entering the designated area could be placed on Iran’s sanctions list. Further details, including the exact boundaries and operating rules of the zone, are yet to be disclosed. At the same time, Tehran says it has agreed on maps for a new international maritime corridor running through Iranian and Omani waters. According to Rezaei, Iran would manage the proposed route, with the maps expected to be formally signed in the coming days. The initiative could introduce a new framework for vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz, although its practical implementation remains unclear. The developments come as shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen significantly. According to reports, an average of about 10 commodity vessels crossed the waterway each day over a recent 10-day period, marking the lowest level reported since May. Before the current disruption, the Strait carried roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies, underlining its importance to international energy and maritime trade. For India, the situation carries significant implications. The country imports nearly 90% of its crude oil requirements, with a substantial share sourced from Gulf producers and transported through the Strait of Hormuz. Any prolonged restriction, additional charges or uncertainty around vessel access could therefore increase freight, insurance and energy costs, while also affecting imports of LNG, LPG and petrochemical products. For global supply chains, the proposed restricted zone adds another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile maritime environment. Shipping lines, tanker operators, energy traders and cargo owners are likely to closely monitor the final route maps, sanctions framework and navigational arrangements before determining their operational strategies. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
India is utilising the global platform of SMM Hamburg 2026 to deepen maritime cooperation with Germany, with a high-level Indian delegation undertaking strategic engagements with port authorities, terminal operators and maritime industry stakeholders in Hamburg. Led by Vijay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), the delegation included Vipul Singhal, Director, MoPSW, and Pradeep Sudhakar, Chief Ship Surveyor, Directorate General of Shipping/Maritime Administration (DGMA). Their engagements focused on exchanging expertise and identifying opportunities for collaboration across port operations, maritime infrastructure, digitalisation and sustainability. A key component of the visit was an interaction at HHLA Container Terminal Altenwerder (CTA), where the delegation examined advanced approaches to automated container-terminal operations. Discussions with Patrick Krawutschke, Managing Director, Hamburg Port Consulting (HPC), covered terminal efficiency, automation, logistics planning and the deployment of technology to improve port management. The delegation also visited EUROGATE Container Terminal Hamburg and held discussions with Tom Eckelmann, President, EUROGATE, exchanging perspectives on terminal productivity, digitalisation and the evolution of modern maritime logistics infrastructure. Further discussions with senior representatives of the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and Hamburg’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Innovation covered port modernisation, green-port initiatives, environmental sustainability, logistics management and future-ready maritime infrastructure. India's participation at SMM 2026 comes amid an expanded national presence at the world's leading maritime trade fair. For the first time, MoPSW and the Indian Ports Association are organising two official Indian joint pavilions, while around 35 Indian exhibitors are expected to showcase capabilities spanning shipbuilding, maritime technology and sustainable solutions. The Hamburg engagements assume added significance as India-Germany strategic relations enter a new phase, with both countries marking 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026. The two governments have also reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, investment, technology, innovation and sustainable development. For India's maritime sector, the discussions provide an avenue to learn from Hamburg's port ecosystem while exploring partnerships in smart ports, green shipping, automation, logistics integration and maritime infrastructure. The engagements are expected to contribute to stronger institutional and industry-level cooperation between India and Germany and support India's ambition to build a globally competitive, technology-enabled and sustainable maritime ecosystem. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Mumbai Port Authority marked India’s 80th Independence Day at Indira Dock on Saturday, with officials highlighting the port’s role in the country’s maritime economy and its record cargo performance in fiscal 2025-26. The flag-hoisting ceremony began at 8 a.m. with the arrival of participating platoons, followed by the arrival of Chief Guest Vipin Menoth, Traffic Manager, Mumbai Port Authority. The programme included the singing of Vande Mataram, hoisting of the National Flag, the National Anthem, a parade inspection, an address by Menoth, felicitation and a cultural programme. Senior port officials, Central Industrial Security Force personnel, police representatives, employees, workers and members of the wider port community attended the event. In his address, Menoth recalled the contribution of workers in Bombay’s docks, mills and other workplaces to the freedom movement, while noting that the port’s workforce has continued to play a role in the city and the country’s economic development. He said Mumbai Port had been sustained for more than 150 years by workers and maritime professionals whose contribution has supported the growth of the national economy. The port handled 75.15 million tonnes of cargo in FY 2025-26, its highest-ever annual throughput, representing a 9% increase from the previous year. The performance comes as India seeks to expand maritime capacity and improve the efficiency and sustainability of its logistics infrastructure. Menoth said Mumbai Port would focus on strengthening its operations through digitalisation, safety measures and environmental sustainability as India works towards its 2047 development objectives. The Independence Day programme also formed part of the Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 campaign, which runs from August 9 to 17. Mumbai Port Authority encouraged its departments, employees, port workers, seafarers and other associated personnel to participate by displaying the National Flag, singing Vande Mataram and registering their participation through the campaign’s official digital platform. Merchant ships, port facilities and other maritime establishments were also encouraged to display the National Flag during the campaign period. The celebrations concluded with a cultural programme, bringing together the port’s administrative, operational and security personnel at Indira Dock. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
