THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a historic milestone for Vizhinjam International Seaport, the MSC Beryl has departed for Valencia, Spain, becoming the first-ever export vessel to set sail from the port.
The 366-m container vessel loaded the port’s inaugural shipment of eight export containers before embarking on its transoceanic voyage. Deployed on MSC’s mainline Himalaya Express service, a critical loop directly connecting the Indian subcontinent with Mediterranean and European trade hubs, the vessel is scheduled to berth at the Port of Valencia in approximately 20 days.
The containers mostly consisted of processed food, vegetables and clay. As full-fledged EXIM (Export-Import) operations ramp up, Vizhinjam’s infrastructure is designated to process a wide range of regional commodities, moving beyond processed foods.
The maiden export sailing officially establishes Vizhinjam as a primary global gateway.
Featuring a natural deep-water draft exceeding 18m, the port can accommodate the world’s largest mega ships without requiring preliminary dredging or intermediate feeder vessel transfers.
Chief Minister V D Satheesan officially flagged off the containers cleared for exports on August 18.