T’puram: Vizhinjam International Port will start export-import (EXIM) services from Aug 18. Chief minister V D Satheesan will flag off the first export container to be loaded into a ship. So far, the port has been focusing only ship-to-ship transshipment.Though the development comes two years after the port started receiving container ships, the EXIM movement is considered to be a milestone for Kerala’s economic growth and India’s maritime sector.With this, Vizhinjam will evolve from a transshipment port into a fully operational international cargo gateway, said a statement from state govt.Govt will also organize a Mission Samudra business summit attended by global shipping companies, logistics firms, exporters, investors, and industry leaders and will present the state’s vision for maritime-driven economic growth.The launch of EXIM services, as part of the govt’s100-day action plan, will establish Vizhinjam as an EXIM gateway. “This is expected to cut cargo transport costs, improve supply chain efficiency, boost export competitiveness, and generate fresh investments and jobs,” said the statement.The commencement of EXIM services is also expected to represent a step forward for Mission Samudra, state govt’s long-term maritime development initiative.Since it began commercial operations around 18 months ago, it has handled two million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) and hosted some of the world’s largest mother ships.Vizhinjam port will continue to function as an open-access, common-user port serving all shipping companies equally, said the statement.The cargo movement by road will increase after a cloverleaf interchange and rail link is completed. Adani group is planning more than Rs 10,000 crore investment in the second phase of the port to build additional berths by 2039. State govt has asked centre assistance to the tune of Rs 1,500 crore for rail connectivity and Rs 4,000 crore for multi-modal logistics parks, SEZs and free trade warehousing zone in Vizhinjam in the future.
