Cochin Port : Supportive Infrastructure to Attract International Trans-Shipment
The Cochin Port which is located around 50 nautical miles from the international shipping routes between (i) Europe and Far East /Australia and (ii) Gulf and Far East/Australia, has the potential to attract international trans-shipment which can trigger off maritime related business opportunities. The Cochin Port has developed the International Container Trans-shipment Terminal (ICTT) at Vallarpadam in order to tap the opportunities. This is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) venture with Dubai Port World (DPW) as the private partner. The first phase of the Terminal with 600 m of berth length became operational on 11.02.2011. In order to make the Terminal successful, the Government has created supportive infrastructure;
(i) A 17.2 km 4 lane road for container trucks to reach the terminal from the NH 47, and NH 17 without getting into the city roads.
(ii) A 8.6 km long railway link line connecting the terminal to the national grid.
(iii) The Govt. has also supported the capital dredging of the terminal to create 14.5 m draft.
(iv) International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Vallarpadam
(v) LNG Port and Terminal at Puthuvypeen:
The construction of LNG Port and Terminal at an estimated cost of Rs. 4150cr with a capacity of 5MMTPA was approved by CCEA and the project was awarded to M/s Petronet LNG Ltd in 2009. The Gas pipe line net work being implemented by GAIL is held up due to issues related to land acquisition. Therefore, the terminal is working at about 7% of its capacity. Measures are being taken by Government of Kerala for resolving issues related to pipeline laying work.
(vi) Multi-User Liquid Terminal (MULT) at Puthuvypeen :
The proposal is for development of MULT on DBFOT basis at an estimated cost of Rs. 240Cr. and an estimated capacity of 4.52 MMTPA . The project would be completed by 15.5.2017.
This information was given by Minister of State for Shipping, Shri Pon. Radhakrishnan in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.
