Thiruvananthapuram: With Vizhinjam International Seaport set to commence export-import (EXIM) cargo operations from Tuesday, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced the terminal handling charges and initial services that will be available from the port. The tariff announced by MSC provides a clear indication of the cost structure for cargo moving through the port. For dry import/export containers classified as non-hazardous, the terminal handling charge (THC) will be Rs 10,500 for a 20-foot container and Rs 14,600 for a 40-foot container. For hazardous containers, the THC will be higher at Rs 15,500 for a 20-foot container and Rs 22,200 for a 40-foot container. Reefer containers will attract Rs 27,600 for 20-foot units and Rs 39,990 for 40-foot units. For out-of-gauge (OOG) non-hazardous cargo, the charge will be Rs 20,000 for 20-foot containers and Rs 28,500 for 40-foot containers. MSC has also specified additional reefer plugging and monitoring charges. For both import and export reefer containers, Rs 5,000 per day will be charged for a 20-foot container and Rs 7,000 per day for a 40-foot container from the fourth day onwards. The shipping line said local charges at Vizhinjam will remain the same as those applicable at Cochin Port. Customers can approach MSC sales representatives for bookings and support. Initially, MSC will offer two services for exports from Vizhinjam. The Himalaya Express (HEX) will connect Vizhinjam with Las Palmas, Sines, Valencia, Barcelona and Gioia Tauro. The India Africa Service (IAS) will connect Vizhinjam with Coega, Pointe Noire, Abidjan, Tema, Lome, Cotonou and Kribi. Customs has granted final approval for EXIM operations. Initially, import cargo will be restricted to full-container-load shipments eligible for direct port delivery, while exports will focus on factory-stuffed, self-sealed FCL containers. The move marks a major shift for Vizhinjam, which has so far functioned primarily as a transshipment hub. The port has a Phase-I capacity of 1.6 million TEUs and is being expanded to 5.7 million TEUs by Dec 2028. It is located about 10 nautical miles from the main East-West shipping route and has a natural draft of 18-20m. The development also comes shortly after MSC’s terminal arm, Terminal Investment Ltd, agreed to acquire a 49% stake in Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd for $1.397 billion, underscoring the shipping giant’s growing strategic interest in the port.
