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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">The
Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited has initiated a major expansion drive
by signing three strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at
strengthening the port’s position as a global maritime gateway.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">VISL CEO
Sreekumar K Nair said the first phase of auxiliary infrastructure projects will
involve an investment of around ₹800 crore, to be executed through
public-private partnership (PPP) models.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">As part of
the expansion, VISL has signed an MoU with Indian Oil Corporation Limited to
establish a dedicated oil bunkering facility for refuelling cargo vessels. The
project, which will require approximately 20 acres of land, is expected to
position Vizhinjam as a competitive bunkering hub along a key global shipping
route.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Strategically
located just 18 km from a major international shipping lane that carries nearly
one-third of global maritime trade, Vizhinjam is well-placed to compete with
established bunkering centres such as Fujairah and the Port of Singapore.
Officials noted that Singapore alone supplies nearly 50 million metric tonnes
of marine fuel annually.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">The
upcoming bunkering facility is expected to generate substantial GST revenue
while creating significant employment opportunities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">In another
key development, VISL has partnered with Container Corporation of India to
develop a Multi-Modal Logistic Park over 100 acres. The facility will focus on
cargo sorting, container management, and seamless transfer through road and
rail networks, enhancing the efficiency of cargo movement linked to the port.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Additionally,
VISL has signed an MoU with the Central Warehousing Corporation to set up a
large-scale warehouse complex across approximately 200 acres. The proposed
site, located between Nemom and Parassala, will benefit from strong railway
connectivity and is expected to play a crucial role in improving cargo storage
and distribution.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Officials
highlighted that the corridor—particularly the
Balaramapuram–Parassala–Nagercoil rail route—will be vital for handling future
container traffic.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Gateway to
Global Ports<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Highlighting
the port’s global connectivity, Nair said Vizhinjam offers direct access to
over 100 major container ports worldwide. He added that China, which accounts
for nearly 40% of global manufacturing, has emerged as a key user, with large
vessels already docking at the port for transshipment operations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">VISL has
also invited both domestic and international manufacturers to leverage the
port’s growing ecosystem, assuring full infrastructure support for industrial
development in the region.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">With these
initiatives, Vizhinjam is set to evolve into a major transshipment and
logistics hub, boosting Kerala’s presence in global maritime trade while
driving investment, employment, and economic<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> </span></p>