Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Tuesday launched Mission Samudra, the state government’s initiative aimed at strengthening its maritime economy, along with export-import operations at Vizhinjam International Seaport.

The project seeks to bring Kerala’s 600-km coastline, two international ports and 17 minor ports under an integrated maritime framework. The government hopes the initiative will help develop Kerala into a major logistics and manufacturing centre while expanding its access to international markets.

Satheesan described Vizhinjam as India’s first automated, algorithm-based port powered by artificial intelligence and said the start of EXIM operations would allow Kerala-made products to reach ports across several countries. He also stressed the need to use the state’s academic and industrial strengths to support the maritime sector.

As part of the initiative, the government plans to establish a cruise terminal at Cochin Seaport. Preliminary work has also begun on an International Maritime Museum intended to highlight Kerala’s long maritime history.

The launch, however, saw several prominent political leaders stay away. Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who was scheduled to deliver the keynote address, was absent. LDF leaders, including Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan and several MLAs, also did not attend. BJP leaders Rajeev Chandrasekhar, V Muraleedharan and Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V V Rajesh were among those missing.

Satheesan rejected speculation that Sonowal’s absence was linked to the Vande Mataram controversy, saying the Union minister was unable to attend because of official commitments.