Adani Ports & SEZ and the Kerala government will sign an MoU on the Vizhinjam seaport on August 17. The Rs 4,089-crore first phase of the Rs 7,525-crore seaport and international transhipment terminal is envisaged to be ready by 2019. Karan Adani, executive director of Adani Ports & SEZ, the lone bidder, said work will be complete within four years. Kerala had given the letter of contract to the bidder after some delay, that triggered speculation that the Congress high command had advised against teaming up with Adani, who is known to be close to the Narendra Modi government. The company has sought Rs 1,635 crore as grant. The state has decided to write to the Centre soon to urge cabotage fee waiver for the port.