Along the coast line of 585 kms, the State has one major port at Kochi and 17 minor / intermediate ports. Kochi Port is an150 accredited port. The number of container vessels called at Kochi in 2004-05 was 314 and the number of passenger vessels was 20. Besides this 285 other vessels called at Kochi in 2004-05. The completion of Vallarpadam International Container Transshipment terminal Project would make the Kochi Port as a major hub port in the Indian Ocean region. Government has also decided to develop the Vizhinjam Container Transport Terminal with public private partnership.

Needakara, Alappuzha and Beypore are the Intermediate Ports in Kerala. The minor ports are vizhinjam, Valiathura, Thankasseri, Munambam, Ponnani, Vadakara, Thalassery, Kannur, Azheekal & Kasaragod. In addition to these, there are four minor ports in Kerala yet to start functioning viz., Manjeswaram, Neeleswaram, Kayamkulam and Manakkodam. The development work of Beypore Cargo Harbour & Azheekal Cargo Harbour is progressing