The Vizhinjam Port, despite its strategic potential, faces several operational challenges as highlighted by the Container Shipping Lines Association (India). One of the major issues is the absence of an Immigration Check Post (ICP), which significantly affects shipping operations, crew management, and local business growth. Below is an in-depth analysis of these challenges and their implications.

Key Challenges at Vizhinjam Port

1. Absence of Immigration Check Post (ICP)

• Crew Changes & Services: Without an ICP, shipping lines cannot facilitate crew changes, impacting vessel operations.
• Restricted Essential Services: Services such as victualing (food supply), ship spares, and bunkering (fuel supply) face disruptions.

2. Impact on Mixed-Nationality Crews

• Vessel Restrictions: Ships with Pakistani crew members are not allowed to dock, affecting international fleet movements.
• Service Disruptions: International shipping lines with mixed-nationality crews face route limitations.

3. Increased Administrative Burden

• Manual Clearances: Shipping lines must seek permission from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for crew disembarkation.
• Photographic Documentation: Unique to Vizhinjam, shipping lines must send crew photos for clearance, adding administrative delays.

4. Customs Clearance Delays

• Extended Processing Time: The manual customs process requires submission four days in advance, increasing the likelihood of delays.
• Coordination Between Authorities: Customs approvals need coordination between Thiruvananthapuram and Cochin, further slowing down operations.

5. Growth of Transshipment Activities

• Growing Container Traffic: Despite challenges, shipping lines are diverting volumes from Colombo, leading to approximately 180 vessel calls and handling 400,000 TEUs since the port’s opening.
• Potential for Expansion: If the ICP issue is resolved, Vizhinjam has the potential to become a key transshipment hub.

6. Request for ICP Status

• The Container Shipping Lines Association has formally requested the Ministry’s assistance in granting ICP status to facilitate smoother operations and boost the port’s strategic importance.

Implications of the Absence of ICP at Vizhinjam Port

Issue	Implication
Crew Change Restrictions	Vessels cannot conduct crew changes, impacting operational efficiency and compliance with international maritime laws.
Ban on Mixed-Nationality Crews	International vessels with Pakistani crew members cannot dock, limiting trade flexibility.
Administrative Delays	FRRO permissions for crew disembarkation slow down processes, leading to inefficiencies.
Extended Customs Clearance	Manual processing requiring four-day advance submissions delays cargo handling.
Limited Local Business Growth	Restrictions on crew movement and services limit economic opportunities for local suppliers.
Dependency on Other Ports	Shipping lines may prefer ports with ICP, reducing Vizhinjam’s competitive edge.
Uncertain Service Reliability	Inconsistencies in handling mixed-nationality crew vessels disrupt shipping schedules.
Coordination Challenges	Dependence on multiple authorities (Thiruvananthapuram and Cochin Customs) increases administrative complexity.

Conclusion

The absence of an Immigration Check Post at Vizhinjam Port creates significant operational barriers for shipping lines, impacting crew management, local economic activities, and overall efficiency. Addressing these challenges by granting ICP status will be a crucial step in enhancing Vizhinjam’s competitiveness and positioning it as a major transshipment hub in the region.