ICG Inaugurates Strategic Jetty at Vizhinjam Harbour to Enhance Coastal Security

In a significant boost to India’s maritime security infrastructure, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) inaugurated a dedicated jetty at Vizhinjam Harbour in Kerala on June 7, 2025. Spanning 76.7 meters, this state-of-the-art facility is designed to improve operational efficiency and enable faster deployment of vessels for coastal surveillance, anti-smuggling operations, fisheries protection, and search & rescue missions. The jetty’s strategic location near international shipping lanes underscores its pivotal role in national security.

Why in News?

The dedicated ICG jetty at Vizhinjam was officially inaugurated by ICG Director General Paramesh Sivamani. Its commissioning marks a major milestone in strengthening India’s southwestern coastal security architecture, particularly given its proximity—just 10 nautical miles—to key global shipping routes and the Vizhinjam International Transshipment Deepwater Port.

Key Objectives and Functions of the Jetty

• Enhance maritime surveillance along the southwestern coast of India.
• Enable faster vessel turnaround, reducing response time for ICG operations.
• Support anti-smuggling, anti-poaching, and fisheries law enforcement.
• Serve as a base for search & rescue (SAR) missions in high-traffic maritime zones.
• Strengthen coordination with agencies like Kerala Police, Maritime Board, Army, and Adani Ports.

Background & Strategic Significance

• Vizhinjam is home to the upcoming Vizhinjam International Deepwater Seaport, expected to be India’s first mega transshipment port.
• Located near major international maritime shipping lanes, the region is crucial for trade, logistics, and maritime domain awareness.
• The new ICG jetty enhances India’s ability to monitor and respond to threats in one of the busiest sea routes in the world.

Key Officials Present

• DG Paramesh Sivamani (Director General, Indian Coast Guard)
• Inspector General Bhisham Sharma, Commander ICG Region (West)

Representatives from,

• Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd
• Government of Kerala
• Kerala Maritime Board
• Indian Army
• State Police & Fisheries Department
• Adani Ports Pvt. Ltd.

Overall Significance

• Aligns with India’s Maritime Vision 2030 and Sagarmala Programme.
• Promotes integrated coastal defence with participation from central and state stakeholders.
• Reflects India’s focus on blue economy and secure trade environments.
• Facilitates quicker disaster response, especially relevant for Kerala’s vulnerable coastline.