Vizhinjam International Seaport launches full export-import operations

The Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala has officially commenced full-scale export-import (EXIM) operations, marking its transition from a transshipment hub to a direct commercial gateway. Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan flagged off the first export containers, which included local food products such as jackfruit and banana chips, destined for Valencia, Spain.

Operated by the Adani Group, the deep-water port is strategically located near major international shipping routes, potentially reducing transit times to Europe by up to 10 days. To support this growth, the state government launched ‘Mission Samudra,’ a port-led industrial and logistics development initiative backed by a Rs 400-crore fund. This program aims to create a maritime economic region featuring industrial clusters and new urban centers.

Simultaneously, Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has reached a logistics milestone with the arrival of its first international freighter service operated by Hong Kong Air Cargo. The airline will provide three weekly services using an Airbus A330-200F, with plans to expand the airport’s cargo network to include 13 additional freighter services connecting to major hubs across Asia, Europe, and West Asia.