Ahead of the scheduled opening of the Vizhinjam International Seaport, the port has obtained the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code certification from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialised agency of the United Nations. This approval is mandatory for international ships to operate to and from the port. The approval is also applicable for high-speed cargo, bulk carriers, and other cargo ships.
This code was first developed after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, which increased the likelihood of similar incidents in maritime transportation. The ISPS Code is followed by all countries around the world. Implementing the code helps make maritime transport safer and reduces the possibility of terrorist attacks. Stringent security measures are implemented at ports to obtain this certification.
Meanwhile, the port is expected to begin the trial run of port operations in May by pressing barges loaded with containers. According to the officials with the Adani Group, which develops the port on Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Transfer (DBFOT) basis, they are hopeful of commencing the full-fledged commercial operations of the port by Onam.
