Vizhinjam Port launches full EXIM operations, opening a new export route for Kerala food brands

Adani Ports-backed Vizhinjam International Seaport has begun full EXIM operations, with an initial Kerala food consignment shipped to Spain. APSEZ says it has invested more than ₹7,700 crore and committed ₹16,000 crore for Phase II, targeting capacity of 5.7 million TEUs.

— Source published Tue, 18 Aug, 2026, 20:23 IST · First seen Tue, 18 Aug, 2026, 20:30 IST · Source BL · Consumer & Economy

What happened

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) · Vizhinjam Port began full EXIM operations, with Kerala food exports shipped to Spain. APSEZ says it has invested

Key facts

  • Approximately 7 tonnes
  • 20 months
  • ₹7,700 crore invested
  • ₹16,000 crore additional Phase II commitment
  • Capacity expansion from 1.6 million TEUs to 5.7 million TEUs
  • 44 rivers

Why this matters

Retail and food companies with Kerala sourcing should evaluate port-linked export partnerships, consolidation facilities and supply-chain alliances around Vizhinjam’s new trade corridor.

What to watch

  • Announcement of regular direct mainline services to Europe, the Gulf, Southeast Asia or the US.
  • Monthly EXIM container volumes, reefer utilization and dwell-time data at Vizhinjam.
  • Terminal handling charges and freight-rate differentials versus Kochi, Tuticorin and Chennai.
  • New rail, highway, inland container depot, cold-storage and customs-bonded logistics investments serving the port.
  • Large Kerala seafood, spice, coconut, packaged-food or FMCG exporters publicly shifting volume to Vizhinjam.
  • Evidence that Phase II funding, construction milestones and capacity additions remain on schedule.
  • Kerala food brands should obtain comparative freight quotes for Vizhinjam versus Kochi, Tuticorin and Chennai across Europe, Gulf and North American lanes.
  • Exporters should test small recurring consignments, especially reefer and high-value shelf-stable products, before redesigning distribution networks.
  • Retailers sourcing Kerala-origin private-label foods should renegotiate delivered-duty and lead-time terms with suppliers as routing options expand.
  • 3PLs and cold-chain operators should evaluate warehouse, customs-bonded storage, container freight station and reefer-service investments near Thiruvananthapuram.
  • Brands should pursue EU-compliance, traceability and packaging upgrades to convert improved port access into sustained export demand rather than one-off shipments.