Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, launched the loading operation for the first voyage of the coastal shipping service Green Freight Corridor-2 from Kochi to Beypore and Azhikkal ports. It is expected that the service will change container transportation by reducing traffic congestion and carbon footprint. This also bodes well for connecting the hinterlands of northern Kerala, particularly the export-import (EXIM) trade-in Kozhikode and Kannur, which will gain direct sea access to the Vallarpadam container transhipment terminal. The Green Freight Corridor Service is run by Round The Coast Private Limited, a JM Baxi Group company based in Mumbai. The service will also include the Kollam port. The vessel will call at Kochi port twice a week and use a feeder service to transport containers to Beypore and Azhikkal ports. Rice, wheat, salt, building materials, cement, and other commodities would be shipped from Gujarat and unloaded in Kochi. The operators plan to transport export-import (exim) cargo such as plywood, footwear, textiles, coffee, and other items on the way back. Imported cashew containers will also be moved from Kochi to Kollam at a later date. Kochi port is offering a 50% discount on vessel-related charges for river-sea vessels to encourage container shipping along the coast. Similarly, the Kerala government has offered a 10% operational incentive above the cost of road transportation. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways aims to improve synergy between major and minor ports, promoting coastal trade, and providing sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient customer solutions. Image Source Also read: Adani Ports to expand cargo, plans revenue growth Also read: Private port operators seek govt intervention as policy changes