India’s maritime security infrastructure, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) inaugurated a dedicated 76.7-meter jetty at Vizhinjam Harbour, Kerala, on June 7, 2025. This state-of-the-art facility is poised to enhance the ICG’s operational efficiency, enabling faster deployment of vessels for coastal surveillance, anti-smuggling operations, fisheries protection, and search and rescue missions.
Situated just 10 nautical miles from vital international shipping lanes and adjacent to the Vizhinjam International Transshipment Deepwater Port, the new jetty’s strategic location underscores its pivotal role in national security. The proximity to major global trade routes positions the ICG to effectively monitor and respond to maritime threats in one of the busiest sea corridors worldwide. The dedicated jetty facilitates the swift turnaround of ICG vessels, significantly reducing response times for critical operations. This enhancement is particularly crucial for safeguarding Kerala’s extensive coastline, which is susceptible to various maritime security challenges, including illegal fishing, smuggling, and environmental threats.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by ICG Director General Paramesh Sivamani, along with senior officials from the Indian Coast Guard, Kerala state agencies, the Indian Army, and representatives from Adani Ports Pvt Ltd and the fisheries department. This collaborative effort reflects a unified approach to strengthening coastal security through integrated coordination among central and state stakeholders. The commissioning of the Vizhinjam jetty aligns with India’s Maritime Vision 2030 and the Sagarmala Programme, which aim to enhance port infrastructure, promote coastal security, and facilitate sustainable maritime development. The initiative also supports the nation’s focus on the blue economy and secure trade environments, ensuring the protection of vital maritime assets.
The inauguration of the dedicated ICG jetty at Vizhinjam Harbour marks a significant milestone in enhancing India’s coastal security architecture. By improving operational readiness and fostering collaborative efforts among various agencies, the facility strengthens the nation’s ability to safeguard its maritime interests and respond effectively to emerging challenges in the maritime domain.
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