<p data-path-to-node="7"><b data-path-to-node="7" data-index-in-node="28">Vizhinjam International Seaport</b> has officially commenced commercial <b data-path-to-node="7" data-index-in-node="96">gateway Export-Import (EXIM) container cargo operations</b>, expanding its operational scope beyond international transshipment to serve as a direct coastal and domestic gateway for Indian manufacturing and trade corridors.</p><p data-path-to-node="8">The initiation of direct EXIM cargo handling enables regional exporters and importers across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka to clear containerized goods directly through the deepwater port, providing direct mainline vessel connectivity and bypassing intermediate feeder relays at foreign transshipment ports.</p><h3 data-path-to-node="10">Key Operational Highlights &amp; Gateway EXIM Integration</h3><ul data-path-to-node="11"><li><p data-path-to-node="11,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="11,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">First Commercial EXIM Cargo Cleared:</b> The port successfully completed its inaugural direct domestic export-import container handling operations, integrating customs EDI systems, dedicated scanning corridors, and bonded logistics yards.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="11,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="11,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">Direct Mainline Connectivity for Regional Trade:</b> Direct gateway calls allow high-value export commodities including seafood, spices, textiles, cashew, rubber, and light engineering goods to load directly onto ultra-large mother container vessels, reducing supply chain transit times by several days.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="11,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="11,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Streamlined Hinterland Evacuation:</b> Coordinated road and rail freight corridors are being scaled to connect the deepwater terminal directly with regional Inland Container Depots (ICDs) and manufacturing clusters across South India.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="11,3,0"><b data-path-to-node="11,3,0" data-index-in-node="0">Retaining Domestic Transshipment Value:</b> Transitioning into a combined transshipment and gateway hub allows Vizhinjam to maximize berth utilization while saving valuable foreign exchange previously spent on transshipment feeder movements through Colombo, Singapore, and Port Klang.</p></li></ul>