A dedicated Indian Coast Guard (ICG) jetty was formally inaugurated at Vizhinjam Harbour, Kerala. The 76.7-metre state-of-the-art berth is designed to fast-track operational readiness and elevate the country’s coastal surveillance and response capabilities. Strategically located just 10 nautical miles from key global shipping routes and adjacent to the rapidly developing Vizhinjam International Transshipment Deepwater Port, the newly commissioned facility is expected to play a pivotal role in monitoring, responding, and managing maritime security operations along India’s southwest coast.
This includes duties such as search and rescue, anti-smuggling patrols, environmental safety, and fisheries protection. With increasing maritime trade and vessel traffic in the Indian Ocean Region, the ability to rapidly deploy ICG assets has become essential for both economic and security imperatives. The new jetty is a critical investment that enhances operational logistics for the ICG, allowing faster turnaround of vessels and coordinated maritime actions in times of both routine and emergency needs. Authorities underlined that the commissioning of this jetty is not just about enhancing physical infrastructure, but about significantly upgrading the security envelope of the region.
The facility is designed to support multiple ICG vessels simultaneously, equipped with modern berthing systems that align with global standards of green port operations and maritime sustainability. Its proximity to Vizhinjam Port—an emerging hub for international cargo handling—adds to its strategic importance. As Vizhinjam transitions into a critical node in India’s global shipping map, the security apparatus around it must keep pace. The dedicated ICG jetty reflects a growing consciousness of that balance between development and defence, especially in a geopolitically sensitive maritime corridor. The inauguration ceremony drew senior officials from the Indian Army, Coast Guard, State Maritime Boards, Police, and the port operator, signalling strong inter-agency coordination. The collaborative presence underscored a broader commitment to secure maritime corridors that support both national security and sustainable economic growth.
The jetty project is part of a broader push to strengthen India’s coastal surveillance network, particularly in the wake of growing maritime challenges—ranging from illicit trafficking to climate-driven coastal vulnerabilities. It is also aligned with the national maritime strategy that seeks to create smart, secure, and green ports, ensuring India’s rise as a global maritime leader is built on resilience, technology, and sustainability. For the people of Kerala and stakeholders in India’s blue economy, this development marks a turning point. It is not just infrastructure—it is an assurance. A commitment to secure waters, protected coastlines, and the seamless coexistence of trade, safety, and ecological responsibility.
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Vizhinjam Coast Guard jetty strengthens maritime security
