{"id":77722,"date":"2026-02-05T20:25:18","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T23:25:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shipping.einnews.com\/article\/889799343"},"modified":"2026-02-05T20:25:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T23:25:18","slug":"kerala-maritime-board-opens-vizhinjam-wharf-for-international-cargo-cruise-vessels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/2026\/02\/05\/kerala-maritime-board-opens-vizhinjam-wharf-for-international-cargo-cruise-vessels\/","title":{"rendered":"Kerala Maritime Board opens Vizhinjam wharf for international cargo, cruise vessels"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<img width="590" height="442" class="unveil" loading="eager" src="https:\/\/infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com\/images\/default.jpg" data-src="https:\/\/etimg.etb2bimg.com\/photo\/127925945.cms" captionrendered="1" alt="<\/p>\n

The customs also approved the coordinates for unloading imported goods and loading export goods, subject to strict observance of the provisions of Customs Act.<\/p>\n

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The customs also approved the coordinates for unloading imported goods and loading export goods, subject to strict observance of the provisions of Customs Act.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Import and export of cargo using mid-sized vessels and smaller passenger cruise ships from foreign countries, will now be able to dock at Kerala Maritime Board<\/a>‘s port at Vizhinjam. The 7,360sqm seaward wharf of the port was notified as a customs port.<\/p>\n

This means ships with a six metre draft can be docked, import and export cargo can be handled, cargo can be placed in specified areas, and it can be processed at the port, an official said. <\/p>\n

He said the leeward wharf was already notified as a customs area. <\/p>\n

“As the seaward wharf also received it, it will be easy to move export and import cargo using medium-sized ships. If a ship comes from Maldives or a nearby country, for example, it will be able to unload and pick up cargo. The cargo can be parked at the specified customs area and can be stuffed and destuffed,” he added. <\/p>\n

The customs also approved the coordinates for unloading imported goods and loading export goods, subject to strict observance of the provisions of Customs Act. <\/p>\n

Jude Sajith Dcruz of Vizhinjam Steamer Agents Aasociation said, “This will be a great advantage for moving cargo using small and medium-sized ships because the port fees will be huge at Vizhinjam port. The notification will also help in handling coastal cargo from other ports, including small ports.” <\/p>\n

The Kerala Maritime Board<\/a> is working to develop small ports along the coast of the state for cargo and passenger movement. <\/p>\n

In addition to Kollam, this port at Vizhinjam will be an advantage. <\/p>\n

The notification comes as a fillip to Kerala Maritime Board’s attempts to attract international passenger cruises<\/a> connecting the Middle East with smaller ports of the state. <\/p>\n

Both wharfs are 80m long. The seaward wharf complies with ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) Level 1. The sea is 23m to 27m deep at 3nm from the coast. International crew-changing operations were held at the port during the pandemic. <\/p>\n

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