Vizhinjam expands services for visiting vessels
Crew sign-on, sign-off and shore leave operations can now be carried out at Vizhinjam International Seaport under procedures issued by Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited.
The procedures, effective from February 1, 2026, cover Indian-flag coastal vessels, foreign-flag vessels and Indian vessels operating on international routes. Shipping agents must submit crew details and supporting documents to the port in advance.
For foreign-flag vessels and Indian vessels not operating on coastal routes, agents must first obtain the necessary permissions from Customs and Immigration. Crew members will also be required to carry their original documents during entry or exit from the terminal.
The revised provisions governing crew changes allow sign-on and sign-off for vessels calling within port limits, including vessels at berth and designated anchorage areas. For vessels berthed within port limits, the facility may be extended to Indian and foreign-flag vessels and to both Indian and foreign seafarers, subject to a written request from the vessel’s master or shipping agent.
Shore leave procedures introduced
Vizhinjam has also introduced a structured process for shore leave. Foreign and international-route crew members must hold shore passes issued by Immigration, while Indian crew on coastal vessels can access the shore under port-controlled procedures.
Shore leave is permitted between 6:00 am and 11:59 pm. As the container terminal is pedestrian-free, shipping agents must arrange transport between the vessel and the port security gate.
Crew change is not new to the Vizhinjam region. Operations conducted through the Kerala Maritime Board’s facility between 2020 and 2022 handled more than 12,000 seafarer movements across 735 vessel calls.
The introduction of formal procedures at the international container terminal adds another important marine service to Vizhinjam. It can reduce operational delays for shipping lines while creating new demand for vessel agencies, crew transport, accommodation, medical support and other maritime services around the port.