“Kerala’s Deep-Sea Port Gears Up for Global Trade Connectivity”

Vizhinjam Port Secures Customs Nod for Gateway Cargo Operations.                                                                                                                                                    

Vizhinjam International Seaport has achieved a key milestone with customs clearance to operate as a gateway cargo terminal for India’s import-export trade. Through a notification issued on August 29, the Commissioner of Customs (Preventive), Kochi, appointed Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Ltd as the custodian of goods, making the facility technically ready for unloading imports and loading exports. The Indian Customs Electronic Data Interchange System (ICES 1.5) went live at the port on September 2, enabling seamless documentation and clearance. As custodian, Adani Vizhinjam must ensure secure storage, modern equipment, boundary walls, and logistics facilities while also bearing customs staff costs until exemptions apply. However, key infrastructure gaps remain—dedicated road connectivity to NH-66, container yards, truck terminals, and warehouses are still under development. Trial cargo operations are expected by December, with full-scale activities dependent on the completion of hinterland connectivity and logistics support systems in the coming months.