The Government of Kerala (GoK), is in the process of developing a world-class Greenfield International Port at Azhikkal in Kannur district. In this regard, the Government of Kerala’s has established a special purpose vehicle “Malabar International Port and SEZ Limited” (MIPS Ltd.) formerly known as Azhikkal Port Limited to develop the port project to global standards, along with 4 Special Economic Zones / industrial parks which are critical, complementary component for strengthening the State’s maritime, logistical and industrial infrastructure of the Malabar region.

The planning, investment and growth of an international/coastal shipping seaport with inter-modal connectivity, along with SEZs/ industrial parks is to funnel cargo to the port and channel entrepreneurial resources into potential industrial sectors with comparative advantages and high prospects for success primarily in the Malabar region. The Malabar International Port & SEZ project is strategically aligned with the State’s and National maritime development vision, advancing Kerala’s Nava Keralam initiative while complementing national programmes such as Sagarmala and Make in India. Planned under the Viability Gap Funding Scheme, the project is positioned to serve as a model of integrated port and port-led industrial development driving sustainable economic growth and employment generation.