Vizhinjam International Seaport Begins Direct Import Operations With First Import Container

Key facts

• The Vizhinjam International Seaport in Keralam received its first import container on Saturday, marking its emergence as a direct import gateway beyond transshipment operations.
• The container, booked from Ningbo in China, arrived aboard the vessel MSC Sabrina III.
• The container was booked by Thiruvananthapuram-based BSG Logistics and Ship Chandlers Pvt Ltd on behalf of Altair Group and carried engineered building boards used as an alternative to plywood in construction.
• The flag-off ceremony was performed by Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd Managing Director Jeromic George.
• With import operations commenced, goods can now be directly unloaded at Vizhinjam, undergo customs clearance, and be transported to markets across Keralam, reducing dependence on other ports and cutting cargo time and cost.
• The direct import service is expected to retain cargo-handling revenue within the state and generate employment in customs brokerage, freight forwarding, transportation, warehousing and port operations in Thiruvananthapuram and other southern districts.