Vizhinjam port receives first import container, marks new milestone

Thiruvananthapuram: The Vizhinjam International Seaport on Saturday received its first import container, marking a significant step towards emerging as a direct gateway for imports into Kerala, port authorities said.

The container, booked from Ningbo in China, arrived aboard the vessel MSC Sabrina III.

The flag-off ceremony of the first import container was performed by Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd Managing Director Jeromic George, according to an official statement.


The container was booked by Thiruvananthapuram-based startup BSG Logistics and Ship Chandlers Pvt Ltd on behalf of the city's Altair Group. It carries engineered building boards used in the construction sector as an alternative to conventional plywood.

With the commencement of import operations, goods can now be directly unloaded at Vizhinjam, undergo customs clearance and be transported to markets across Kerala.

This is expected to reduce dependence on other ports and cut down the time and cost involved in cargo movement, authorities said.

The new facility will also help retain revenue generated from cargo handling and logistics-related activities within the state, instead of such business flowing to other ports.

It is also expected to generate employment opportunities in Thiruvananthapuram and other southern districts in areas such as customs brokerage, freight forwarding, transportation, warehousing and port-related operations.

The commencement of direct import services marks an important expansion of Vizhinjam's role beyond transshipment operations, positioning it as a port catering directly to the import requirements of businesses in Kerala, the authorities added.