Kerala Maritime Board (KMB) is preparing to redevelop the minor port at Vizhinjam into a commercial facility under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with state government approval anticipated by May.

Situated next to the Adani-operated Vizhinjam International Seaport and a fishing harbour, the minor port will be upgraded to accommodate small and mid-sized ships for commercial operations. The existing 160-mtrs. wharf will be refurbished as part of the redevelopment, for which the proposal has been submitted to the ports department, awaiting the decision of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

"The plan is to upgrade this small port into a medium-sized commercial port by refurbishing the seaward and leeward wharves. We expect the govt's decision by May. Preliminary work for the tender proceedings has also begun," Chairman of KMB, NS Pillai said.

The goal is to make the port commercially viable by attracting mid-sized cruise ships, short-distance passenger ferries, and small container vessels. "Earlier, we planned ferry services from Vizhinjam to other ports within Kerala. A private partner can expand the berth and negotiate with shipping companies to start services that complement the international port's operations," he added.

Talks are underway with shipping companies to introduce ferry services integrating with Adani's seaport, while small container ships could also use the upgraded minor port to support ongoing operations. 

Meanwhile, construction of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) berth at Vizhinjam was completed earlier this month by the state government's harbour engineering department, funded by the ICG at a cost of Rs 25 crore. A fast patrol vessel and three IB/IC class ships currently operate from a temporary berth provided by KMB.