Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala received its first import container on 31 October 2026, beginning direct import operations. The container arrived aboard MSC Sabrina III from Ningbo, China.
Consignment and trade operations
The consignment was a full container load (FCL) of engineered building boards for construction, used as an alternative to conventional plywood. Thiruvananthapuram-based BS2G Logistics and Ship Chandlers Private Limited booked it for Alteir Group, a business enterprise in the city. Jeromic George, Managing Director of Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited, flagged off the truck carrying the container.
Full-scale export-import (EXIM) cargo operations at the port began in August 2026. Direct imports are expected to reduce local entrepreneurs’ transport costs and delivery times, retain cargo-handling and logistics revenue in Kerala, and create jobs for customs brokers, freight forwarders, transport operators, warehouse operators and port workers.
Important Facts for Exams
- Natural depth: Vizhinjam International Seaport has a natural depth of 24 metres, which reduces the need for dredging during construction.
- Container berth: Vizhinjam International Seaport has an 800-metre berth designed to handle container vessels carrying up to 18,000 TEU.
- Operating model: Vizhinjam International Seaport is a Kerala-government-owned special-purpose company; a public–private partnership gave APSEZ a 40-year build-and-maintain agreement.
