# Vizhinjam Seaport EXIM rollout > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vizhinjam-seaport-exim-rollout > Updated: 2026-08-23T13:02:05.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 5. The Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala has officially transitioned to full export-import (EXIM) operations. On 18 August 2026, Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan led the launch ceremony, which also introduced the ‘Mission Samudra’ initiative. Prior to this transition, the port functioned primarily as an international transshipment hub, with approximately 60 percent of handled containers destined for or originating from other countries. The shift to direct EXIM operations is expected to allow Kerala to derive more direct economic benefits from the facility. The operational framework for the new gateway cargo service is being implemented in phases, with initial import operations focusing on direct port delivery of full-container-load cargo, while exports will include factory-stuffed and sealed full-container-load consignments. As India’s first fully automated port utilizing artificial intelligence, the facility is designed to reduce reliance on external transshipment hubs like Colombo and Singapore. Since commencing commercial operations in late 2024, the port has handled over 2.28 million TEUs and approximately 1,100 vessels. Once the Phase 2 expansion is completed by December 2028, the port is expected to potentially reduce export transit times by one day. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has announced this expansion requires an additional investment of Rs 16,000 crore, bringing the group’s total investment to approximately Rs 30,000 crore. This will increase the port’s annual capacity from 1.6 million TEUs to 5.7 million TEUs and include new container berths, logistics facilities, and enhanced connectivity. ## Claims - Phase 2 of the Vizhinjam project will involve an additional investment of Rs 16,000 crore. (single source) - The expansion will increase the port’s annual capacity from 1.6 million TEUs to 5.7 million TEUs. (single source) - The Phase 2 expansion is targeted for completion by December 2028. (single source) - The total investment by the Adani Group in Vizhinjam will reach approximately Rs 30,000 crore with Phase 2. (single source) - The port has handled more than 2.28 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and around 1,100 vessels since commercial operations began. (single source) - The port is intended to be India’s first fully automated port using artificial intelligence. (single source) - The ‘Mission Samudra’ project aims to shift 50 to 60 percent of the state’s freight transport to sea routes. (single source) - The port has a natural draft of 18-20 metres, allowing it to handle Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs). (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-23: India maritime logistics: Chennai faces rail challenges as Vizhinjam expands While Chennai Port faces challenges with rail volume and relies on trucks for 90% of cargo, Vizhinjam International Seaport aims to boost Indian trade and reduce foreign transhipment reliance by 2028. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-maritime-logistics-chennai-faces-rail-challenges-as-vizhinjam-expands ### 2026-08-18: Vizhinjam International Seaport begins full EXIM operations Vizhinjam International Seaport has launched full EXIM operations. A planned Rs 16,000 crore expansion by Adani Ports will increase capacity to 5.7 million TEUs by 2028. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vizhinjam-international-seaport-begins-full-export-import-operations ### 2026-08-14: Vizhinjam International Seaport to begin direct EXIM cargo operations Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala will begin direct export-import cargo operations on August 18, transitioning from a transshipment hub to a gateway for Indian foreign trade. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vizhinjam-international-seaport-to-begin-direct-exim-cargo-operations ### 2026-07-27: Adani Ports reports 9% container throughput rise and plans 100‑acre CFS at Vizhinjam Adani Ports saw a 9% YoY rise in container throughput in FY2025 and will build a 100‑acre container freight station near Kerala’s Vizhinjam port to boost EXIM logistics. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/adani-ports-reports-9-container-throughput-rise-and-plans-100acre-cfs-at-vizhinjam ### 2026-07-25: Vizhinjam International Seaport launches EXIM cargo operations on Aug 18 Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala will start EXIM cargo operations on 18 Aug 2026, with customs‑approved FCL handling and new gateway trade role. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vizhinjam-international-seaport-launches-exim-cargo-operations-on-aug-18 --- Cite as: Vizhinjam Seaport EXIM rollout. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vizhinjam-seaport-exim-rollout