The Kerala government announced on Saturday that the Vizhinjam International Seaport will transition from a transshipment hub to a full-fledged international cargo gateway by starting full export-import (EXIM) operations on August 18.
The state government will host the 'Mission Samudra' Business Summit after Chief Minister V D Satheesan flags off the first export container, according to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).
Global shipping businesses, logistics companies, exporters, investors, and industry leaders will all be present at the event.
Additionally, the state government will explain Kerala's vision for maritime-led economic growth and formally reveal "Mission Samudra," its long-term maritime development program.The statement went on to say that the Vizhinjam International Seaport, which was built under a public-private partnership (PPP) format by the Kerala government and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), has become one of the fastest-growing container ports in the world.
Within 18 months of starting commercial operations, the port handled two million TEUs and received some of the biggest mother ships in the world, proving its capacity as a top-tier marine hub.
According to the statement, the introduction of EXIM services, which are part of the state government's 100-day action plan, will turn Vizhinjam into a complete export-import gateway, lowering logistics costs, boosting export competitiveness, increasing supply chain efficiency, and creating jobs and investments.

Mission Samudra, which aspires to combine ports, logistics, manufacturing, inland waterways, and multimodal connections to establish Kerala as a premier marine and logistical hub in the nation, will also mark a significant milestone with the start of EXIM operations.
Vizhinjam, the first deep-water transshipment port in India and the first fully automated container port in South Asia, would continue to operate as an open-access, common-user port that serves all shipping firms equally, according to the CMO, enhancing India's standing in international maritime trade.