Cochin port cargo handling up 12%

Cochin port has achieved a 12 per cent growth in cargo handling for the financial year 2011-12 to touch the 20-million mark in one year for the first time.

The port achieved a throughput of 20.1 million tonnes. Oil handling was up 14 per cent, and break bulk and bulk handling 53 and 14 per cent respectively, while container throughput increased 6 per cent, a release said.

The port has initiated the process of creating modern cargo handling infrastructure and a mobile harbour crane to support bulk/break bulk handling will be commissioned in June. It can now assure ‘berthing on arrival’ to large bulk carriers with up to 12.5 metre draft on Willingdon Island. Besides, warehouses are being upgraded and provision has been made for direct barge loading from its Ernakulam and Mattancherry wharves.

 

Among others, the Cochin Port Trust (CPT) has finalised a master plan for the optimum use of its resources post the vacation of container handling from Willingdon Island. The tender process for developing the former Rajiv Gandhi Container Terminal into a major automated bulk handling terminal is under way. A tender to develop the plot for a major cement handling facility at its Q5 berth has also been released while the Q4 berth is being developed as a terminal for bulk oil handling. An LPG unloading and bunkering facility is being developed at Puthuvype, near the port.

The port is also developing a free trade warehousing zone in the south end area of Willingdon Island to cater to the supply chain activities. A tea trade centre is being planned to develop high-end consolidation activities for the tea export sector.

Other major initiatives include a logistic park, marine workshop together with dry dock on 45 acre, and a ship repair complex. Work on the port users complex to meet commercial space requirement of the trade is likely to commence this financial year.

It expects to get cabotage relaxation in this year, which should trigger an increase in container traffic.

The LNG terminal, which will bring LNG to Kerala’s shores for the first time, will also be operational by December, the release said.