Vizhinjam International Port receives first direct import shipment from China
The arrival of engineered building boards on the MSC Sabrina III marks the port's transition from a transshipment hub to a direct trade gateway.
The Vizhinjam International Port in Thiruvananthapuram has received its first direct import shipment via a vessel arriving from Ningbo, China, according to The New Indian Express.
The inbound container carries engineered building boards intended for construction as an alternative to plywood. The consignment was booked on the MSC Sabrina III and handled by local startup BS2G Logistics and Ship Chandlers Pvt. Ltd. on behalf of the Altair Group.
S Jeromic George, MD of Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL), will lead the official flag-off ceremony for the container on Tuesday.
Industry experts stated that starting direct import operations changes the port from a transshipment hub into a direct trade gateway for Kerala. This allows importers to unload, clear, store, and distribute cargo at Vizhinjam instead of using distant ports.
The shift is expected to lower shipping overheads and transit times for regional entrepreneurs while keeping logistics revenue within the state.
