With operations beginning in Vizhinjam, coastal shipping of goods is
expected to be strengthened in the southern state, Minister for Ports V N
Vasavan said. The Kerala Maritime Board has already begun discussions with
private shipping companies to promote coastal shipping of goods, he said.
At present, services can be
launched to Kollam, Beypore and Azhikode ports which have basic infrastructure
facilities for the same, he told the state Assembly.
Replying to a question, the Minister said efforts have already begun to
improve infrastructure facilities in such ports. The Board has undertaken
several measures in this regard including seeking necessary permission from the
Union government, increasing the depths of ports and construction of additional
wharfs, Vasavan said.
Last week, the port authorities said the Vizhinjam International Seaport here has received its location
code, a key milestone towards the commencement of its operations as a major
transshipment hub.
In a Facebook post, the Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL)
had said the port received its location code — IN NYY 1 — from the Indian
government on June 21, 2024.