Chennai port signs fresh MoU with Belgian port

The two ports had earlier signed an MoU in 1997.

The Chennai Port Trust on Monday signed a fresh memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Belgium-based Port of Zeebrugge. The co-operation extends to all aspects of port activity and transfer of technology between the two ports.

A similar agreement was also signed between the Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and Belgo Indian Chamber of Commerce, which would enable both the chambers to work together in port development and environment projects and to build Indo-Belgian co-operation agreement, said S Raghavan, secretary, SICCI.

Speaking to reporters after signing the MoU, K Suresh, chairman, Chennai Port Trust, said earlier in 1997, the two ports had signed an MoU with the intention of cooperating in various fields related to maritime transportation and port development and working together as sister ports.

 

He was speaking on the sidelines of Business Forum on Port Development and Belgian-Indian co-operation in port activities organised by SICCI and the Federation of Enterprises in Belgium (FEB) today.

At that time, both the ports laid emphasis on handling of bulk cargo such as coal and iron ore. Over the last few years, the focus of Zeebrugge Port has shifted to handling of clean cargo such as cars and containers. In these circumstances, since both the ports are working towards a common goal a fresh MoU was signed, which will be in effect for the next five years, he said.

The MoU would enlarge the scope of cooperation between the two ports and enable active interaction between the management and personnel of the two ports for their mutual benefits. The Chennai port in particular will draw on the available expertise in Zeebrugge Port in the field of containers, car carriers and cruise vessels, he said.