Dredging at Azhikkal to resume on Friday: Minister

First phase development of port to be over in a month
http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/26/images/2011012652920801.jpg
Assessment:Minister for Ports V. Surendran Pillai visiting the Azhikkal port in Kannur on Tuesday.

KANNUR: Minister of Ports V. Surendran Pillai has said that dredging work to remove sandbars at the mouth of the Azhikkal port here will begin on January 28 as part of the first phase development of the port and will be completed in one month to coincide with the completion of the construction of the new wharf.

Briefing reporters after a meeting of officials, people's representatives and stakeholders on the development of the Azhikkal port here on Tuesday, the Minister said the second phase of the development linked with the proposed Cheemeni power plant was awaiting the government's decision. At present the government was considering only gas-based thermal plant at Cheemeni, he said.

It may be recalled that Mundra Port and SEZ Ltd. has submitted a bid in response to the global tender inviting companies for the development of the Azhikkal port as the port is ideally located for handling the coal required for the thermal plant. The Rs.3,029-crore project for developing the port is now in a state of uncertainty as the MPSEZL is expected to be not interested in developing the port if no coal terminal is required for the Cheemeni power plant.

Mr. Pillai said it was for the government to take a decision as to an alternative means for developing the port if the company was not interested in the project any more. The immediate work to be completed in the first stage was the dredging of the mouth to create a 50-metre wide channel for the smooth navigation of vessels having five metre draft. The Kerala State Marine Development Corporation (KSMDC) would start the dredging work on January 28 and complete it by February 28. The total estimate for the dredging work was Rs.9 crore, he said.

New wharf

The construction of the new wharf would be completed by February 20, he said adding that industrialists here had assured the meeting that vessels would come calling the port as soon as the works were completed. Some back-filling works near the wharf would also start after its completion, he said.

The Minister said that Port Department was instructed to complete the re-tarring of the road to the port at the earliest to improve the port's road connectivity. The department estimated Rs.28 lakh for the work. The new 20-tonne crane installed at the port would be replaced by a 30-tonne crane if necessary, he said. The department would also sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Railway Vikas Nigam Ltd. to explore a proposal for a rail connectivity to the port.

The ongoing backwater construction at Azhikkal would continue, he said. Director of Ports Jacob Thomas was entrusted to hold discussions with the Lakshadweep Administration which had shown interest in developing an exclusive wharf at the port, he pointed out.

Mr. Pillai said the department would also submit a project proposal to the Central government on the development of the port as the Centre had earlier announced a proposal for developing the port under the National Maritime Development Scheme. He also said that the government was committed to developing the existing ports in the State to fully utilise the State's maritime advantage.

M. Prakashan, MLA, Mr. Thomas and District Collector V.K. Balakrishnan were among those present.

The meeting was attended by Western India Plywoods Ltd. Managing Director P.K. Mohamed, North Malabar Chamber of Commerce president Maheshchandra Baliga and Kerala Textile Export Organisation president C. Jayachandran, among others.

http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/26/stories/2011012652920800.htm

Dredging on Azhikkal Port to Begin Soon

http://www.dredgingtoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/ap.jpg
The infrastructural works in the port would be completed before February 20, he told reporters here after attending a review meeting of the Azhikkal Port Development committee.

Dredging would commence on January 28 and it would be completed before February 20. The construction of wharf will be done by the Harbour Engineering Department and finished next month.

The Minister also gave the direction to the Director of Ports, Jacob Thomas, to continue the talks with Lakshdweep Administration to launch vessels from Azhikkal Port.


http://www.dredgingtoday.com/2011/01/25/dredging-on-azhikkal-port-to-begin-soon-india/

Old masterplan of Azhikkal port (This is not relevant today. Just for reference)
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/9008/azhikkallj0.jpg

Google map view
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/8445/006rg8.jpg

:applause::applause::applause::applause:

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/4283/tlycruise.jpg

* Thalassery Cruise Port and Marina will be developed under Thalassery heritage tourism project.
* Thalassery port was developed by Edward Brennen in 1708
* Project cost is 20 crores

:applause::applause::applause::applause:

Thanks Sanju. :)

Good start. Thank you Aslesh

That looks huge :eek2: from the master plan.

That was old master plan based on KINFRAs project report. It was a 2500 crores project then.

There is another master plan based on Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu's project report. But that was not available online. It won't be this huge because total project cost upto 2026 was calculated to just 559 crores. This cost does not include the cost of dredging.
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/3759/azhikkal.jpg

Based on this global tender was invited but only Mundra Ports bidded for the project. They proposed a new plan of 3500 crores. But they were expecting good profit through coal terminal meant for Cheemeni thermal power plant. Now since Cheemeni power plant is going to be a gas based plant Mundra ports does not believe the port project will be profitable.

So now the govt has decided to do some dredging and complete the construction of the new wharf to allow small ships for the time being. They have to show something before the election no? ;)

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2CN2IATi9KE/THVTkW2GBGI/AAAAAAAACzQ/hAuPsLIS1aI/s1600/20100723133-1.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_r36iT9YplmU/SjpE4Nx1dRI/AAAAAAAADkI/9y4EbIalWkU/s640/image14.jpg

http://images.mathrubhumi.com/print_images/2011/Jan/29/00202_91404.jpg
http://www.mathrubhumi.com/kannur/news/755821-local_news-kannur.html

Dredging begins at Azhikkal port

http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/29/images/2011012964400801.jpg
For easy access:M. Prakasan, MLA, flagging off the dredger TSD Sindhuraj to inaugurate the dredging at the mouth of the Azhikkal estuary in Kannur on Friday.
KANNUR: Dredging at the mouth of the Azhikkal estuary here began on Friday as part of the first stage development of the Azhikkal port.

M. Prakasan, MLA, flagged off the dredger TSD Sindhuraj of the Kerala State Marine Development Corporation (KSMDC) to inaugurate the dredging at the estuary mouth to deepen it to allow navigation of vessels with five-metre draft.

Minister of Ports V. Surendran Pillai had announced at a meeting at the port here a few days ago that the dredging would start on Friday to remove the sandbars at the mouth that are a major obstacle to medium-sized vessels entering the port basin.

Western India Plywoods Ltd. Managing Director P.K. Mohammed, North Malabar Chamber of Commerce president Maheshchandra Baliga and Kerala Textile Exports Organisation president C. Jayachandran were among those present at the function.

The KSMDC has been entrusted with the work to dredge the mouth to create a 50-metre-wide channel for the smooth navigation of the vessels.

The work will be completed in a month. The Ports Department estimates the work to cost Rs.9 crore.

The ongoing construction of the 256-metre-long wharf at the port is also expected to be completed by February end. Industrialists and shipping agents here assured the meeting convened by the Minister that vessels would visit the port once the dredging was completed.

Metro Manorama on Azhikkal Port
http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/1542/f000cd1.jpg

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/5466/f000cd4.jpg
* Azhikkal was a historically important port. It was used by Arakkal Kingdom for trade with Arabs and for transport to Lakshadweep. Later when other ports where developed azhikkal lost its charm due to lack of infrastructure development.

Opportunities for Azhikkal Port
* Hundreds of Plywood Factories in the region.
*Iron ore from Bellary
* A portion of exports through Mangalore can be shared with Azhikkal
*Once Container Freight Station is completed more containers will arrive in Kannur
*Can be developed as a feeder port of Kochi
*Scope of one more petroleum refinery in between Kochi and Mangalore
*Ezhimala naval academy.


http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/6946/f000cd5c.jpg
Natural Strengths of Azhikkal Port
*River has enough depth to accommodate large ships
*Wide basin sutiable for turning ships
*Good road connectivity
*Lot of uninhabited areas near the port
*River bed without hard rocks. Even Beypore port cannot be dredged beyond a limit due to rocks.

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/2738/f000cd6.jpg
Central government has proposed to develop one more major port in Kerala. Our ministers and MPs should come forward pressurize for development of Azhikkal Port

Current proposal for development of Azhikkal port was based on Cheemeni Coal based Power project. Since it is changed to Gas based plant Mundra port lost its interest. Now government should invite another global tender highlighting other benefits of Azhikkal Port.
http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/2504/f000cd7.jpg
Now the government has set aside the major development proposals and is going forward with small scale developments. :bash:

New cargo warf in Azhikkal port will be inaugurated tomorrow. The new warf of 226 m length and 11 m width is constructed in 8.5 crore rupees. Dredging is going and new crane will be installed in the port. It is expected to complete within this financial year itself. :cheers:
http://www.mathrubhumi.com/kannur/news/808956-local_news-Azhikode-%E0%B4%85%E0%B4%B4%E0%B5%80%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%8B%E0%B4%9F%E0%B5%8D.html

New cargo warf opened in Azhikkal port. New crane is installed. Dredging will complete by the end of this month.
http://www.mathrubhumi.com/kannur/news/815126-local_news-kannur.html

Proposed Coast Guard Academy is coming in the northern bank on Azhikkal port. That area is marked as Long term development area in the above master plan.

http://i740.photobucket.com/albums/xx45/atkannur/mm.jpg?t=1299390010

What is the depth of this port? Can big ships berth here ? I think if all goes well this project with the cruize port marina will be a blessing for Kannur tourism.

http://www.hindu.com/2011/05/01/stories/2011050158640500.htm

Kerala government sought revised feasibility report for Azhikkal port


The Kerala government has sought a revised detailed feasibility report from the consultant for the development of Azhikkal port in Kannur district.

The Kerala government has asked Deloitte India Ltd, the consultant, to revise the earlier DFR in the light of reluctance on the part of investors to participate in the tendering process under the existing conditions contained in the proposal. The re tendering process will begin soon after the Government receives the revised report.

The global tender floated a few months ago to rope in a private partner for the project had attracted a lone bidder, Mundra Port and SEZ Ltd, which had its eyes on a coal based mega thermal project proposed to be set up in the region.

The coal was to be brought in from Orissa through the port and with the prospects in view, Mundra Port had raised the project outlay from around INR 760 crore to over INR 3,000 crore. But the government later decided to abandon the coal based project and Mundra Port lost interest in the port.

http://www.steelguru.com/indian_news/Kerala_government_sought_revised_feasibility_report_for_Azhikkal_port/215013.html

^^
Aslesh, I think they cannot leave it as it is for ever. Once the coast guard academy is completed, I do believe that there would be some positive movement in the case of Azheekkal port also.

Port project moves ahead; forum formed

KANNUR: In an effort to speed up the process of the proposed Azhikkal port here, a 65-member committee under the chairmanship of K Sudhakaran MP was formed on Tuesday.The meeting to discuss the actions to be taken to realise the ambitious project was chaired by K Sudhakaran and attended by various political party leaders and businessmen.

P Karunakaran, MP, and nine MLAs from the district, except A P Abdullakutty and T V Rajesh have been named the patrons of the committee, as both these MLAs are the vice chairmen of the committee. District Panchayat president K Sarala and representatives of various political parties are the members. North Malabar Chamber of Commerce (NMCC) president Mahesh Chandra Baliga is the treasurer of the committee while K M Shaji, MLA, will be the convener. The committee will hold its first meeting on September 24. On the same day an expert committee under Admiral K Mohanan AVSM (Retd) would be formed.

On September 28, a delegation will meet chief minister Oommen Chandy and port minister K Babu to discuss the future course of action. In the meeting various suggestions were made to make the port a reality and all those participated in the meeting suggested that there should be a joint effort to realize the dream.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/Port-project-moves-ahead-forum-formed/articleshow/10059975.cms

http://www.mathrubhumi.com/kannur/news/1188949-local_news-Kannur-%E0%B4%95%E0%B4%A3%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%A3%E0%B5%82%E0%B4%B0%E0%B5%8D%E2%80%8D.html

All party committee formed for Azhikkal will meet the chief minister today. They are seeking central assistance for Azhikkal port. Proposal is to develop south bank as commercial port and north bank(mattool) as port for navy and coast gaurd.

Existing warf is 1.5 kms inside from estuary. Dredging is difficult here. Whereas 10-13 metres depth is available near the fishing harbour. Suggestion is to move thee fishing harbour inside and use the current location of fishing harbour to develop the commercial port. :cheers:

deleted

http://www.mathrubhumi.com/kannur/news/1188949-local_news-Kannur-%E0%B4%95%E0%B4%A3%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%A3%E0%B5%82%E0%B4%B0%E0%B5%8D%E2%80%8D.html

All party committee formed for Azhikkal will meet the chief minister today. They are seeking central assistance for Azhikkal port. Proposal is to develop south bank as commercial port and north bank(mattool) as port for navy and coast gaurd.

Existing warf is 1.5 kms inside from estuary. Dredging is difficult here. Whereas 10-13 metres depth is available near the fishing harbour. Suggestion is to move thee fishing harbour inside and use the current location of fishing harbour to develop the commercial port. :cheers:

This is similar to what I was saying. When I meant, outer harbor is that it should be located at a place which is downstream of existing harbor/close to the sea coast with new breakwater facilities. From this satellite imagery, we can see that the fishing harbor is located inside a lagoon, a sort of protected harbor not directly affected by silting due to the river, and is a bit more closer to sea. :)

That is not called outer harbour. In that case Vallarpadam will also be called outer harbour. The proposed outer harbour in Kochi is on the western side of puthu Vypeen.

Here the suggestion is to move cargo port to the fishing harbour which is close the sea. The existing wharf is around 5 kms from river mouth where as the fishing harbour is nearly 2 kms only. More depth is available there but it is not consistent throughout. Dredging is still needed but will be less costly since the length of the channel will be less. Silting will be there throughout the estuary but only a smaller portion needs to dredged now if fishing harbour is converted.

Any way the whole river bank from fishing harbour to the existing port was included in KINFRA master plan.
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/9008/azhikkallj0.jpg
So this is not a new proposal. Just the take over of fishing harbour has to happen sooner to reduce the initial dredging cost. Fishing harbour doesn't need much depth. For future development it has to be dredged further inside but now we need to reduce initial cost to make project viable.

That is not called outer harbour. In that case Vallarpadam will also be called outer harbour. The proposed outer harbour in Kochi is on the western side of puthu Vypeen.


I know that it is not outer harbor. I used the term 'similar to' for that. That is what I said, when I meant outer harbor, here, it should be location near to sea coast with new breakwater facilities.

I know in the proposed Kochi outer harbor will be located west of Puthuvypeen.

Anyways, dredging a place inside artificial harbor unaffected by any silting due to any rivers, say 8 meter is better that dredging it to 8 meters on the course of a river, right? This is what I said in the case of Azhikkal. here, what I was trying to say that fishing harbor, since it is located inside a shelter lagoon, is not much affected by the silting sue to the river.

But if a bigger port is planned, along the banks of Valapattanam river, thhis problem of silting is again likely to happen right?

You mean the that small water body with fishing boats? That is articificially made from a wet land near the river. If you take google earth you can see another similar wetland near to it. That is too small and won't be suitable for ships. They are not making boat jetties no? The size of the ships expected in intermediate port you can see in the last page of Kollam port thread.

You mean the that small water body with fishing boats? That is articificially made from a wet land near the river. If you take google earth you can see another similar wetland near to it. That is too small and won't be suitable for ships. They are not making boat jetties no? The size of the ships expected in intermediate port you can see in the last page of Kollam port thread.

May be, the way I am explaining my point is causing confusion. I am saying, Azhikkal port should be developed similar to how the proposed Ponnani port will be developed. The facilities will be coming upon at a location not on the course of the river, but on the sea coast protected by breakwater. Suppose the port is planned for say, 12m depth. Once the port is developed to 12m depth, then maintenance dredging required in such a case will be less compared to a port dredged to 12m depth located on a river course, because due to the flow, river brings sediments along with it.

The situation at Ponnani is different from Azhikkal, Beypore or even Kochi. Bharathapuzha is mostly a dry stream now. So the estuary too shallow and it's not suitable for a port. A company came forward to build a port there. They are going to build a 5 km long channel in the sea itself and two breakwaters. It's a huge risk and might cost atleast 1000 crores initially(750 crores was old estimate). They are expecting to recover the cost soon since coimbatore is near.

That is not the case of Azhikkal. We don't have a city like coimbatore here to bring revenue to cover initial cost. Here breakwater is already in place. Also the river is already deep at some places. It needs to dredged only in the remaining part. If the port is moved to the location of fishing harbour it will reduce cost considerably. When port starts operation maintenance dredging can be done from port revenue.

Rivers brings sediments every where. Many of the ports around world are built on estuaries. Even most of the major cities around the world are situated near to estuaries. Also it's not just the river which brings sediments. Sea also does the same. Maintenance dredging will be needed for Ponnani also. But the cost will be lesser than those in estuaries.

Anyway they can think about outer harbour etc when its necessary to bring larger ships and they are able to bring such huge investments. Or if any company or central govt is ready to invest heavily in the initial stage they can widen the lagoon of the fishing harbour and use it for port. Then silting will be much less as you said. But it comes with additional initial cost.

Some old pics(2009) of port area
http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/6773/image18h.jpg
http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/2482/image6oz.jpg
http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/3406/image7y.jpg
http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/951/image12kz.jpg
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/4831/image13d.jpg
http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/9114/image14qm.jpg
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/5633/image17md.jpg

Source: Unnikrishnan KP @ Picasa

Mone manassil laddu potti :D

Land at Azheekal for ship-repair complex
KOCHI: Unable to provide land at Vizhinjam as desired by the Cochin Shipyard for setting up a ship-repair complex, the state government may soon come up with a proposal offering land for the same at Azheekal in North Kerala. Highly placed sources in the Port Department said the government would soon begin discussions with the CSL officials in this regard.
“The state government could not provide the required land for the purpose at Vizhinjam. However, the government would be able to offer around 100-150 acres of land at Azheekal. The government has been seriously considering this option. Soon the state government officials will hold talks with Cochin Shipyard in this regard,” said officials with the State Ports Department. The government will� only provide land for the project. However, officials with the CSL said they have not been informed about the offer in Azheekal.
As part of its expansion plans, the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) had earlier submitted an Expression of Interest (EoI) to the Kerala government for setting up a ship-repair-cum-maintenance complex at Vizhinjam near the International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) project.� However the project didn’t move further as the government was not able to provide land.
The CSL prefers Vizhinjam for the shipyard/ship-repair-yard because of its proximity to the international port.� The proposed shipyard/ ship-repair complex, which will have world-class facility, is expected to give impetus to the country’s attempt to emerge as a major ship-building/repair hub in the region.
Meanwhile, Ports Minister K Babu maintained that the government was yet to finalise the matter.
“The Cochin Shipyard is interested in land at Vizhinjam. The availability of land is an issue. The Union Government has agreed to provide nod for a the development of a port and shipyard/ship maintenance complex project in the state. We have been considering various options including Azheekal. At present, we are in the process of finalising,” the Minister said. The state government is currently in the process of developing a couple of minor ports in the state.
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/land-at-azheekal-for-shiprepair-complex/189792-60-116.html

Good to see azhikal coming up. As per kerala govt long term plan, azhikal,beypore,kochi and kollam ports will serve regional needs. Azhikal will serve kannur kasargod as well as mysore.

That's great if everything goes well!

Mone manassil laddu potti :D

Land at Azheekal for ship-repair complex
KOCHI: Unable to provide land at Vizhinjam as desired by the Cochin Shipyard for setting up a ship-repair complex, the state government may soon come up with a proposal offering land for the same at Azheekal in North Kerala. Highly placed sources in the Port Department said the government would soon begin discussions with the CSL officials in this regard.
“The state government could not provide the required land for the purpose at Vizhinjam. However, the government would be able to offer around 100-150 acres of land at Azheekal. The government has been seriously considering this option. Soon the state government officials will hold talks with Cochin Shipyard in this regard,” said officials with the State Ports Department. The government will� only provide land for the project. However, officials with the CSL said they have not been informed about the offer in Azheekal.
As part of its expansion plans, the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) had earlier submitted an Expression of Interest (EoI) to the Kerala government for setting up a ship-repair-cum-maintenance complex at Vizhinjam near the International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) project.� However the project didn’t move further as the government was not able to provide land.
The CSL prefers Vizhinjam for the shipyard/ship-repair-yard because of its proximity to the international port.� The proposed shipyard/ ship-repair complex, which will have world-class facility, is expected to give impetus to the country’s attempt to emerge as a major ship-building/repair hub in the region.
Meanwhile, Ports Minister K Babu maintained that the government was yet to finalise the matter.
“The Cochin Shipyard is interested in land at Vizhinjam. The availability of land is an issue. The Union Government has agreed to provide nod for a the development of a port and shipyard/ship maintenance complex project in the state. We have been considering various options including Azheekal. At present, we are in the process of finalising,” the Minister said. The state government is currently in the process of developing a couple of minor ports in the state.
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/land-at-azheekal-for-shiprepair-complex/189792-60-116.html

That is indeed a great news for North Kerala. It would be ideal to have the ship-building/repair hub in Kannur. This will make a Kannur a major port region apart from Kochi in Kerala. Moreover, the land acquisition will be relatively easy compared to the higly dense Vizhinjam or any other city based port regions. Lets hope everything goes well:cheers:.

It is just a proposal. I fear Cochin shipyard won't take up this offer since capital dredging is not done yet. According Deloitte project report 300 families resides in the south bank. Not all of them have to be rehabilitated but a portion of them will have to go.

http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/124/azhikkalnewc.jpg

Cochin Shipyard officials visit Azhikkal port

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00820/28krnaz03-port_G2Q3_820980e.jpg
P. Vinayakumar, Director (Technical) of the Cochin Shipyard, visited the Azhikkal Port here on Friday as part of an initiative to examine the technical aspects of the developmental potential of the port.

Mr. Vinayakumar was accompanied by K. Sasidharan, Technical Consultant of the Cochin Shipyard. Kannur MP K. Sudhakaran, North Malabar Chamber of Commerce president Maheshchandra Baliga, Kerala Textile Exports Organisation president C. Jayachandran, and retired Admiral Mohan, who heads the expert committee on Azhikkal port development, were present.

The longstanding demand for the development of the Azhikkal port got a fresh impetus when Azhikode MLA K.M. Shaji convened a meeting of the people's representatives and leaders of trade and commerce here recently to highlight the demand, and to exert pressure on the government.

Intermediate port

The proposal for developing the port as an intermediate port, on the private-public partnership mode, has been in the pipeline for many years.

Committee

A 65-member committee chaired by Mr. Sudhakaran had been formed to take steps to expedite the necessary measures to make the proposal for port development into a reality.

The proposed development of Azhikkal port here that has been hanging fire for several years now appears to set sail with renewed interest being shown by people's representatives and collective efforts towards this end.

The development of the Azhikkal port, located near the estuary of the Valapattanam river, is envisaged as linked with another proposal to develop a shipyard facility there. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Ports Minister K. Babu are understood to be fully convinced about the need to develop the port at Azhikkal into a full-fledged port. The latter, however, is said to have some reservations about the proposal to develop the ship repair complex at Azhikkal. Kannur MP K. Sudhakaran, who is the chairman of the committee formed to expedite measures aimed at the development of the port, will meet the Minister on November 8 to make a presentation on the feasibility of the development of the port and shipyard. Admiral (retired) K. Mohan, who heads the expert panel within the committee on port development, will accompany the MP for the presentation.

Azhikkal has been proposed for the development of the Cochin Shipyard's ship-repair-cum-maintenance facility. On October 28 last,

P. Vinayakumar, Director (Technical) of the Cochin Shipyard, visited Azhikkal to examine the feasibility of the proposal to set up the ship repair-cum-maintenance facility there.

“As far as the development of the Azhikkal port is concerned, the Chief Minister and the Ports Minister are fully convinced,” Mr.

Sudhakaran told The Hindu, when contacted on Monday. He said he had sought an appointment with the Minister on Tuesday to make a

presentation on the feasibility of the developing the port and setting up the shipyard facility.

Mr. Sudhakran said the Union government had already informed the State government that it would give the nod for developing a port in the State. It was for the State government to decide which port would be developed, he said adding that he was confident that the Azhikkal port had the potential to be developed into a full-fledged port. The details of the Central project in the pipeline were not yet clear, he said adding that even if the proposal was to develop the port as a PPP (private-public partnership) project, it would be acceptable as there were many investors willing to participate in the project.

Mr. Sudhakaran said the depth of the channel of the Azhikkal port was not a major problem as it now had a depth of 4 to 5 metres,

which could be increased by dredging for navigation of larger vessels. The sandbar at the mouth of the channel was a major hurdle. But the completion of the breakwater would clear the mouth of the sandbars.

Maheshchandra Baliga, president of the North Malabar Chamber of Commerce (NMCC), said people's representatives should pressure the government to expedite measures for the development of the port. He said the shipyard facility would be an added advantage as some vessels reaching Kochi could be diverted to Azhikkal. The Azhikkal port and the proposed shipyard facility would be catalysts for the development of the area, he added.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/...cle2606701.ece


Hope the MPs, MLAs., & Ministers and north malabar chamber of commerce can play more to get this done

Azhikkal may get the new Mega-Port

Oommen Chandy hinted that Azhikkal might get the nod to develop new port being offered by the central govt.

Manorama (http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=10420457&programId=1073753761&channelId=-1073751706&BV_ID=@@@&tabId=11)

The Chief Minister will hold a meeting with Union Shipping Minister G K Vasan on the 21st of this month in New Delhi to discuss various issues including Vallarpadom dredging, shipping channel and Vizhinjam Port. The central government has sanctioned the development of a new port for the state and Kannur’s Azhikkal has been selected for it, he said. :banana:
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/withdraw-agitation-against-judiciary-chandy/201864-60-122.html

Kerala plans its third major port at Azhikkal :cheers: :banana: :cheers1:
Kerala plans to set up its third major port at Azhikkal, following the central government’s directive to coastal states to set up such facilities.

If the Azhikkal port development plan works out, the state would have three main ports — already operational Kochi Port Trust and the planned Vizhinjam port. Vallarpadam, which facilitates transhipment cargo, is part of the Kochi Port Trust.

Major ports are central government controlled ports, administrated as trusts, except for Ennore port, which is run as a company.

“The Central government had asked coastal states to open another major port in the state. We have proposed Azhikkal port to be developed as a major one,” said Oommen Chandy, Kerala chief minister, on the sidelines of CII World Economic Forum-Indian Economic Summit here on Monday.

Azhikkal is in the Kannur district, around 200 km from Vallarpadam.
:dance:

http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_kerala-plans-its-third-major-port-at-azhikkal_1612583

That is a great news! thanks for sharing it Aslesh.

This is just first step. There are lot of "paaras" to come.

One main para is now competition is will be much stiffer...

One main para is now competition is will be much stiffer...

For a central govt project that is not the main concern now. They are building more ports to grow our economy and compete with countries like China you know. They can't build ports in UP or Bihar. Coastal states will be natural choice. This is a long term investment.

But at first it has to take off. There are lot of hurdles ahead. Paaras can come from inside and outside. :lol:

Vizhinjam is state project right? It may not get major port status.

Vizhinjam is state project right? It may not get major port status.

Its not a major port. Centre rejected State's request.

Vizhinjam is state project right? It may not get major port status.

They aren't seeking that either. Last time when it was rejected our Trivandrum forumers were rejoicing. They want it under state control. State govt also wants it to be under their control.

Azhikkal is like an orphan with almost zero development now. So we don't care who ever takes it. Enthenkilum okke nadanna mathi.

Yes. Whatever comes at azhikal it will be win-win situation.

Special purpose vehicle planned to develop Kerala’s Azhikkal port
The formation of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) is one of the proposals that have come up for the development of Azhikkal port in Kannur.

The North Malabar Chamber of Commerce (NMCC) has taken the initiative to look into the possibility of floating of the SPV and a consortium for raising funds for the implementation of the long-delayed port development project.

A meeting of traders, industrialists and port department officials, organised by NMCC, also decided to hold an elaborate session of the various stake-holders to chart a road map for taking the project forward.

The development project had gained momentum a few months ago with Mundra Port and SEZ Ltd submitting a Rs 3,000-crore bid in response to a tender floated by the Ports Department.

It was at a time when the State Government was actively considering the establishment of a coal-based thermal plant at nearby Cheemeni.

But, the bidder withdrew from the scene when the Government later abandoned the thermal project proposal.

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP MODE

Subsequently, the department has asked Deloitte India Ltd to revise the project report before going in for another round of tendering process for identifying a partner to develop the port through public-private partnership (PPP) mode.

The new proposal by NMCC has come as an alternative option for the development of the port.

The chamber will explore the possibility of bringing in INKEL Ltd, a public-private enterprise formed by the Government, to be a part of the project.

INKEL Ltd, incidentally, has shown interest in the development of Beypore port in Kozhikode.

Apart from the development of port, there is also a proposal for setting up a ship-repairing facility at Azhikkal.

A team from Cochin Shipyard had visited the site the other day to study the feasibility of the proposal.

The Hindu Business Line (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/article2650692.ece)

Minister K Babu told that the new ship repair center would be coming in Azhikkal itself

http://www.mathrubhumi.com/online/malayalam/news/story/1297653/2011-11-25/kerala

Minister K Babu told that the new ship repair center would be coming in Azhikkal itself

http://www.mathrubhumi.com/online/malayalam/news/story/1297653/2011-11-25/kerala

Wait and see:)

I think mathrubhumi misquoted minister's statement, because CSL is yet to submit the report and hence no decision cannot be taken in this regard
.

^^

May be you are right since in no other news paper I have seen this news.

http://www.madhyamam.com/news/139688/111216
Lakshadweep administration to be part of Azhikkal port development.

But Aslesh, this kind of news are coming in newspapers for the last 10 years. But our Governments are not doing anything even though Laksha dweep administrators interested in this port. One or two years back they have visited Kollam port also. But Kerala govt. has not done anything.

But Aslesh, this kind of news are coming in newspapers for the last 10 years. But our Governments are not doing anything even though Laksha dweep administrators interested in this port. One or two years back they have visited Kollam port also. But Kerala govt. has not done anything.

They visited Beypore too. I think they are visiting all the ports in random. Vere paniyonnum illallo. :lol:

Rs.418-crore development work for Azhikkal port


Ports and Excise Minister K. Babu has said that an additional 10 acres of land will be acquired for the development of the Azhikkal port where developmental works estimated at Rs.418 crore will be carried out.

Speaking to reporters during his visit to the port on Monday, Mr. Babu said a meeting attended by the Ports Secretary, Law Secretary and the Ports Director would be held in the capital on January 12 to discuss the recommendations of the consultant for the port's development. He said that Deloitte India Ltd., the consultant, had submitted its report on the works estimated at Rs.418 crore.

It may be recalled that the State government had asked Deloitte India Ltd. to submit a revised detailed feasibility report (DFR) on the development of the Azhikkal port in the wake of the reluctance of the Mundra Port and SEZ Ltd., the lone bidder to the global tender floated for attracting private investment for the port development. The company, which was interested in the coal-based thermal project proposed at Cheemeni in Kasaragod, backed out when the State government decided to abandon the coal-based project.

RETENDERING

The Minister said that a decision on the retendering procedures would be taken at the meeting in the capital. An elaborate seminar on the development of the port would be held here prior to the launching of the retendering process, he said adding that the presence of Chamber of Commerce representatives in the region and in Mysore would be ensured at the seminar. The people's representatives in the region would also be participating in the seminar.

The Minister said 10 acres were being acquired additionally because of the paucity of land required for the port's development. He also said the government had earmarked Rs.26 lakh for the development of the road to the port.

CHANNEL DEPTH

Referring to the talks with delegates from Lakshadweep on the proposal for increasing the depth of the ship channel and the mouth, the Minister said the dredging vessel Sindhuraj of the Kerala State Maritime Development Corporation would start the work soon.

Mr. Babu said the government would take all steps for the development of the port. Vessel operators and contractors in Lakshadweep had conveyed that the port would be a favourite destination of their vessels if dredging had been done in the basin to increase the depth of the channel and the mouth. They were of the view that more cargo operators would turn up to Azhikkal if the channel had a minimum 4.5-metre depth for the safe navigation of vessels.

MLAs K.M. Shaji and T.V. Rajesh and Ports Director Jacob Thomas were among those who accompanied the Minister during his visit to the port.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article2787950.ece

Ship building facility could have been a major push to the development of whole Malabar.....but it seems no one is listening...
All that ministers and MPs from Malabar is sleeping or dancing with the tunes of anti malabar lobby...:ohno::ohno:

http://www.mathrubhumi.com/story.php?id=243376

It's all related. Shipyard has to share the facilities with the port. At present there is only a minor port without enough depth. If major port is being built naturally dredging will be done and shipyard can use the same channel. Road and Railway connectivity is excellent I would say. Existing minor port is just 1.5 kms from Rail and NH. Even from the breakwater area where shipyard was considered the distance to Rail and NH will be just 5 kms. If Major port is announced railway and NH authority will be keen to build the connectivity as we saw with Vallarpadam. There was no rail or NH connectivity when Vallarpadam was announced. Some 10-20 kms railway and highway was built immediately once port construction started. What we need it political will power.

^^

I think Govt. was pushing Azhikkal for Shipyard but CSL was grim on the matter due to technical reasons.

Whatever be it, now kerala is lagging much behind other states in shipping. We are still talking of few 100s of crores for 1 or 2 projects other than kochi and vizhinam while other states are putting 1000s of crores for lot of ports!.

K M Shaji MLA to meet Kunhalikutty and Umman Chandy for Shipyard in Azhikkal. Let us do some ATTIMARI. :lol:
http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/913/azheekalddddd.jpg

അഴീക്കോട്: അഴീക്കല്* തുറമുഖത്ത് ആഴം കൂട്ടാന്* ടി.എസ്.സി. സിന്ധുരാജ് എന്ന കപ്പല്* ചൊവ്വാഴ്ച എത്തി. സംസ്ഥാന മാരിടൈം വികസന കോര്*പ്പറേഷന്റെ നേതൃത്വത്തിലാണ് മണല്* മാറ്റല്* നടത്തുന്നത്. ലക്ഷദ്വീപിലേക്കുള്ള വ്യാപാരം പുനഃസ്ഥാപിക്കുന്നതിന്റെ ഭാഗമായി ഉരുക്കളും ചെറുകപ്പലുകളും കൊണ്ടുവരുന്നതിനാണ് ഇപ്പോള്* ആഴംകൂട്ടുന്നത്. കഴിഞ്ഞദിവസം അഴീക്കല്* സന്ദര്*ശിച്ച തുറമുഖ മന്ത്രി കെ.ബാബു ഇതുസംബന്ധിച്ച് നിര്*ദേശം നല്*കിയിരുന്നു. കടലില്* ഹൈഡ്രോഗ്രാഫിക് സര്*വേ ബുധനാഴ്ച ആരംഭിക്കും. സര്*വേ ഉടന്* പൂര്*ത്തിയാക്കി പ്രവൃത്തി തുടങ്ങാനാണ് തീരുമാനം. ഈ സാമ്പത്തികവര്*ഷം നാലുകോടി രൂപ മണല്* നീക്കി ആഴംകൂട്ടാന്* അനുവദിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്.

http://www.mathrubhumi.com/kannur/news/1400505-local_news-Azhikode-%E0%B4%85%E0%B4%B4%E0%B5%80%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%8B%E0%B4%9F%E0%B5%8D.html

PPP model for Azheekal port

The revised Request for Proposal and concession agreement for the development of the Azheekal port in Kannur have been approved by the Cabinet, Fisheries Minister K. Babu said here on Sunday.

An official press note issued herequoting him said the port would be developed on the public-private-partnership (PPP) model. The Cabinet also empowered the Ports Director to sign the concession agreement on behalf of the government. — Special Correspondent
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2887407.ece

Kerala invites fresh bid for development of Azhikkal port (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/article2896588.ece)
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/multimedia/dynamic/00844/azhikkal_844115f.jpg
To charter development course: A file picture of Azhikkal port

The Kerala Government has again floated tender inviting private partners for the development of Azhikkal port in North Kerala through public-private partnership (PPP) route.

TWO MODULES

The port, this time, is proposed to be developed in two modules; the setting up of a multi-purpose terminal for handling general cargo and a separate terminal for handling cement products and related cargo. The total cost of the project is estimated around Rs 150 crore.

SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLE

A special purpose vehicle (SPV) will be formed for the implementation of the project on design, build, operate and transfer (DBOT) basis and the concession period will be 30 years.

The State Government's investment in the project will be Rs. 20.6 crore in the form of land and the existing assets, according to Port Department officials.

A total of 85 acres of land has been earmarked for the development of the river-based project.

COASTAL SHIPPING

Of this, 65 acres will be utilised for the multi-purpose terminal and the remaining 20 acres for the cement terminal.

The Azhikkal port has a prime place in the coastal shipping plan of the State Government.

It may be noted that the Government had floated a tender last year seeking a private partner and Mundra Port was the lone bidder.

Interestingly, against the Government's estimated project cost of around Rs 1,700 crore, Mundra Port had submitted a proposal for Rs. 3,000 crore..

MUNDRA PORT

Mundra Port had evinced interest in the project keeping in mind the Government's intention to establish a coal-based thermal project in the region, requiring import of coal through the port.

But once the Government decided against the thermal project, Mundra Port withdrew from the scene.

The Government had subsequently asked the consultant, Deloitte India, to revise the detailed project report and the new tender now floated is learnt to be based on the revised report.

There is also a proposal for setting up a ship-repairing facility near the port and a team from Cochin Shipyard had visited the site some time back to examine the feasibility of the proposal.

^^ Just 150 crores. Great. Let me buy this port.

^^ Just 150 crores. Great. Let me buy this port.

With 130 crores for a new port you will get few port building, get two 100m berths and some small cranes. No dredging, I dont know what govt really wants there.

Earlier tender was for 200+ crores only. They just revised the estimate without coal terminal. A new 226 m wharf and new crane is already in place. Still the question of dredging remains. Without dredging are they going to use this as boat jetty?

Some excerpts from RFP document...
GOK has already constructed a concrete berth of approximate 226 meter, as designed.
The berth is 11m to 12 m wide and depth is minimum 4 m. It has also purchased equipments
like 20 tonnes Mobile Crane (Hydra 825). This berth and mobile crane will be allotted to
the successful bidder of Multipurpose terminal1. There are existing breakwaters near the
river mouth. There is existing land of about 85 acres, near South Bank of the river, which will
be provided by Government to the Successful Bidder(s) on lease basis2. Department of Port
(DOP) also has a 60 acre of land on the North Bank (Matool side) which as per current
DOP’s plan is proposed to develop a shipyard. Development of shipyard, if any in future, is
not part of this bid.
Instead of South Bank they have proposed Shipyard in the north Bank near Mattool. No wonder why CSL said there is no Road and Rail connectivity. :bash:

Study on suitability of Azheekkal for major port


* Four-member panel to look into State's proposal

* Panel to submit report in three months

Kannur looks set to join the league of maritime hubs in India by becoming the country's 14th major port after the Union Shipping Ministry constituted a committee early this month to study a Kerala government proposal to set up a port and a ship-building facility at Azheekkal.

The Shipping Ministry order, issued on February 13, said the four-member committee would study the proposal by Kerala government identifying Azheekkal as a site for the major maritime project and submit its report in three months.

The committee comprises Chairman of Cochin Port Trust Paul Antony; Chairman and Managing Director of Cochin Shipyard Limited Commodore K. Subramaniam; Development Advisor (Ports), Ministry of Shipping, B. Poiyaamozhi (convener); and senior hydrographic surveyor D.S.R. Satya Prakash.

The committee will meet with the district administration concerned and identify the land required for the project and get the required documents to finalise the location for the facility.

The committee has also been asked to study the profile of major and minor ports in the neighbourhood of Azheekkal on the western coast and to prepare a profile of cargo traffic through these ports and their capacities.

The committee will study the updated navigational charts of the proposed sites/locations to assess the natural draft with a view to developing an all-weather port and ship-building establishment to cater to state-of-the-art vessels.

The committee has also been asked to identify the backup area to be handed over to the port developer. The area has to be identified in such a way that the project affected the least number of people in terms of displacement.

The site had to be looked at from the point of view of environmental concerns too, said the Union Ministry instructions as it pointed out important aspects such as mangrove vegetations in the vicinity.

Rail and road connectivity to the proposed port's hinterland and the overall infrastructure and investment requirement would also be assessed by the committee.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/article2993065.ece

^^

നുമ്മള് കൊച്ചിക്കാര് വിചാരിച്ചാ അങ്ങോട്ട് വല്യ പോര്ട്ട് വരൂട്ടാ :lol:

More vessels arrive at Azhikkal port

KANNUR The arrival of cargo vessels from Lakshadweep at the Azhikkal port after a very long gap has given an impetus to the development project which is expected to turn the port into a major intermediate port in the state.

Nine vessels from the Lakshadweep reached the Azhikkal port till the first week of March. According to port officials, 10 more vessels from the islands are expected to call at the port in the coming days. The 150-200 tonne vessels brought in fish products and copra, and returned with vegetables, construction materials like river sand and cement.

Two decades ago, Azhikkal was a port of call for vessels coming from the islands.

But the number of vessels reaching the port declined drastically over the years as a result of lack of development and proper dredging.

http://www.omantribune.com/index.php?page=news&id=114526&heading=India

CPT chairman to head Port Development Committee


KOCHI: The Union Ministry of Shipping has constituted an expert committee to look into the proposal for development of a major port-cum-ship repair centre at Azhikkal in Kannur district. The four-member committee is headed by Cochin Port Trust chairman Paul Antony.
Cochin Shipyard Limited Chairman and Managing Director Commodore K Subramaniam, Ministry of Shipping Development Adviser B Poiyaamozhi and senior Hydraulic Surveyor of MPSO D S R Satya Prakash are the other members of the committee. The step taken by the ministry gains significance in the wake of the move by the state government to woo private investors for developing the minor ports across the state.
The proposal will be presented at ‘Emerging Kerala: the Global Investors’ Meet’, to be held in April 2012. The proposal is part of the Coastal Shipping Project formulated by the state.
The development of ports will help reduce transportation of cargo by road to a great extent. The ministry’s order states that the chairman of the committee may seek the support of a consultant, if necessary. It is further suggested that the committee should interact with the District Collector concerned for identifying the land required for the project.
“The proposed port will come up on the land provided by the state government,” Antony said.
The committee will look into all the logistical and technical details of the project, including locations of existing nearby ports along the western coast, cargo traffic profile, availability of adequate back-up area, rail and road connectivity and sensitivity of the proposed area from an environmental point of view.
The ministry has further suggested that the committee should consider the matter of selecting the land for the proposed centre with all stakeholders.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/cpt-chairman-to-head-port-development-committee/242755-60-122.html

Centre examining possibilities of Azhikal project


New Delhi: The government Monday said it has constituted a group for identifying locations for developing big ports in three southern states.

"A technical committee has been constituted to identify the suitable location for development of major ports in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala," Minister of Shipping G K Vasan said in the Lok Sabha Monday.

Replying to a question whether some states have proposed to invest in the development of major ports, Vasan said, "No proposal has been received from states for investment in the development of major ports."

Request has been received from the Kerala government for development of port or shipyard project at Azhikal in the state. The committee is currently examining the proposal.

"Response has been received from the states governments of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Gujarat for providing land for development of another major port," he said.

Meanwhile, the Maritime Agenda 2010-20, unveiled in January last year, provides for development of two hub ports each on West and East Coasts, ie. Mumbai (Jawaharlal Nehru Port), Kochi, Chennai and Vishakhapatnam.

http://english.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/contentView.do?contentId=11289757&tabId=1&channelId=-1073865030&programId=1080132912

Master plan for lighterage port(PPP) in Azhikkal by Deloitte
http://i42.tinypic.com/z68zk.jpg

Development near Port Office
http://i41.tinypic.com/flamvp.jpg

Development in South Bank near breakwater and North Bank
http://i39.tinypic.com/o09co3.jpg

Bidding closes on 15-05-2012.

Deadline for Azhikkal port project bids extended


KOZHIKODE, MARCH 30:
The last date for submitting bids for the development of Azhikkal port in North Kerala has been extended.

According to the original decision, the last date was fixed as March 30, 2012. But this has now been extended to May 15 as more prospective investors have expressed interest in the project, according to sources in the Ports Department. The port, which figures prominently in the coastal shipping plan of the State Government, is proposed to be developed through public-private partnership (PPP) route on a design, build, operate and transfer (DBOT) basis. The concession period will be 30 years.

TWO MODULES

The port development project, which has been hanging fire for more than a decade, is now envisaged to be developed in two modules: the setting up of a multi-purpose terminal for handling general cargo and a separate terminal for cement products and related cargo. The total cost of the project is projected at Rs 150 crore.

In all, 85 acres of land has been earmarked for the river-based project. Of this, 65 acres will be made available for the multi-purpose terminal and 20 acres for the cement terminal. Meanwhile, the pre-bid meeting held a couple of weeks ago saw the participation of a few interested investors in the project. They included Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd, ABG Cements Ltd, LOTS Shipping Ltd, Falcon Infrastructures, Kakinada Seaports Ltd and International Seaports Ltd, the sources said.

INKEL Ltd, the infrastructure development agency floated by the State Government with private equity participation, also attended the meeting. INKEL is already involved in the development of Beypore port in Kozhikode.

Apart from port development, there is a proposal for setting up a ship-repairing facility near the port and a team from Cochin Shipyard had visited the site some time ago to examine the feasibility of the project.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/article3263103.ece?homepage=true&ref=wl_home

Central Govt. technical team to visit Azhikkal


The technical team of the Central government will visit the Azhikkal port here on April 11 to examine the feasibility of the proposal to set up a major port-cum-ship building facility there close to the estuary.

Azhikkal port officials here informed that the team headed Cochin Port Trust chairman Paul Antony is visiting Azikkal to study the proposal as Azhikkal has been identified by the State government as the location for developing the port-cum-ship building facility. The other members of the technical committee include Chairman and Managing Director of the Cochin Shipyard Ltd. Commodore K. Subramaniam, Development Advisor (Ports), Ministry of Shipping, B. Poiyaamozhi, who is the committee’s convenor, and senior Hydrographic Surveyor D.S.R. Satya Prakash. After the site visit, the team members would hold a meeting of stake holders including officials of Ports, Forest, Revenue and Fisheries Departments as well as Kerala State Electricity Board officials.

The committee has been mandated to study the proposal and submit its report in three months. The major task of the team members is to identify the suitable location at Azhikkal for developing the facility. The committee will also prepare report on the cargo traffic through the ports in the neighbourhood of Azhikkal. Updated navigational charts of the locations to be identified for the facility will also be studied to assess the natural draft of the basin of the identified area, the officials here said adding that rail and road connectivity to the proposed facility will also be examined by the team.

Meanwhile, the last date for submitting bids for the development of the Azhikkal port has been extended as per requests from prospective developers, the officials here said. As per the original decision, the last date for submitting the bid was March 30 which has now been extended to May 15. The decision to extend the date followed the pleas from the prospective investors who showed keen interest in the project. The port, which has occupied a prominent position in the coastal shipping plan of the State government, is proposed to be developed as a PPP (private-public partnership) project.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article3266227.ece

Central team sees vast potential in Azhikkal port
:cheers:

KANNUR: The proposal of the state government to develop Azhikkal as a major port seems to have many takers in the Centre. While the state government has already floated fresh tenders to develop the port under public-private partnership, a technical team constituted by the Centre visited the port on Wednesday. The team examined the feasibility of converting the state government's proposal to build a port into a major greenfield port-cum-ship building centre.

The team comprises B Poiyaamozhi, development advisor (ports), ministry of shipping, D S R Satyaprakash, senior hydrographic surveyer, Minor Port Survey Organization (MPSO), and G P Rai, chief engineer, Cochin Port Trust. They will prepare a detailed report on the port based on its technical and business possibilities in three months.

"The Centre has suggested the study after getting a proposal from the state government to develop Azhikkal as a major port. We visited the place to explore the possibility of developing the same, as part of the Centre's plan to develop a major port or a shipyard or both by 2020," said Poiyaamozhi after meeting at the collectorate here. The team will study the updated navigational charts of the proposed site, prepare a revenue sketch, and also identify the backup area to be handed over to the port developer.

"When developing a port, we also have to do studies of land required, problems of human displacement, environmental impact, erosion, siltation, sedimentation, among other issues," said a senior official. They will also study the issues of rail and road connectivity to the port.

The department of ports decided to extend the date for submission of tender from March 30 to May 15, because of the hope that some potential investors would come up to develop it in BOT model, said the official. "If a major developer comes forward with sufficient investment, Azhikkal can be developed as one of the best ports in the country," he said.

The development work of the port, which can act as a potential feeder port to Vallarpadom International Transhipment Terminal, Cochin Port, and Vizhinjam International Seaport, is based on the feasibility report prepared by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India Pvt. Ltd in December 2009, which was redrafted considering the present situation and possibilities.

Though a company named Mundra Port and SEZ had earlier won the bid, it later backed out. If Azhikkal is developed as a major port that caters to the entire country, there is immense possibility to generate business.

"It is meaningless to argue that the existing business and industry in the region is not sufficient enough to develop a major port," said another official. According to him once the port is developed, it will naturally bring business.

Also, the governments should promote coastal shipping development in the country and give carbon credit to waterway transportation because it is the most environmental friendly mode of transportation.

Azhikkode MLA K M Shaji who accompanied the team said that once the port becomes a reality, it is will boost the timber and textile industry in the region.

Hari A Warrier, deputy director of ports, M Sudheer Kumar, senior port conservator at the Azhikkal port, representative of the industry in Kannur accompanied the technical team.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/Central-team-sees-vast-potential-in-Azhikkal-port/articleshow/12630495.cms

http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r638/asleshrk/f_00134d.jpg

http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r638/asleshrk/azhkl.jpg

^^

Good to see some movement on the project. Kerala will be together an aviation and shipping hub in 5 years :)

Azhikkal Port - PPP Project - locations proposed in Deloitte project report

http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r638/asleshrk/azhikkal_deloit.jpg

http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r638/asleshrk/3afebcd4.jpg
* ABG Group the sole bidder for Azhikkal port
* They bidded for 77 crores cement terminal only. No takers for 75 crore multipurpose terminal.
* Port will be developed for ships carrying 10000 ton cement.

Mumbai-based ABG Group bags order on Azhikkal port project

KANNUR: The construction of cement terminal at the Azhikkal port will be given to Mumbai-based ABG Group. The company is involved in ship-building and cement manufacturing.

The state government had floated two separate tenders for two terminals, one for cement and the other for multipurpose.

ABG Group was the lone bidder for the cement terminal, whereas there was no bidder for the multipurpose one.

The committee comprising Kerala Port Department director Jacob Thomas, deputy director Hari A Warrier, and senior port conservator at the Azhikkal port M Sudheer Kumar evaluated the tender on Tuesday at the state capital and decided to give the work to ABG.

As part of this the business group will develop the terminal by creating a six-metre draft so that 10,000 tonne ship can be brought to the terminal.

Meanwhile, the government is yet to decide whether a fresh tender should be floated or the government itself should develop the multipurpose terminal instead of going for the PPP model, said an official.The tender was floated based on the feasibility report prepared by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India Pvt. Ltd. Though a company named Mundra Port and SEZ had earlier won the bid in 2010, it had later backed out.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/Mumbai-based-ABG-Group-bags-order-on-Azhikkal-port-project/articleshow/13188801.cms

Fresh meet on port project tomorrow
Bidder for cement terminal has ‘backed out’
:badnews:

A fresh meeting of the prospective bidders willing to participate in the global tender floated by the State government for developing a cement terminal as part of the development of the Azhikkal port here will be held in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, as the sole bidder has apparently backed out.

According to port officials here, the meeting being held at Mascot Hotel in the capital will seek the opinion of the companies on the feasibility and cost of the project.

The meeting is being held in the wake of the reported backing out of the Mumbai-based ABG Group. Apart from the tenders for developing the cement terminal, the government had floated tenders for a multi-purpose terminal for handling general cargo as part of developing the port through public-private partnership mode.

The total estimated project cost is Rs.150 crore. The port has been envisaged to be developed on design, build, operate and transfer basis. A total 85 acres of land has been earmarked for the development of the river-based port. According to the project, 65 acres will be made available for the multi-purpose terminal and 20 acres for the cement terminal. Several companies had shown keen interest in the project at the pre-bid meeting held here on March 3 last.

Azhikkode MLA K.M. Shaji, who has shown interest in getting the port development project in his constituency to set sail, said that though the ABG Group had apparently backed out, another group had expressed interest in the project. He said the July 5 meeting would pave the way for expediting the project.
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article3600678.ece

Now they want to study the feasibility and cost of this project where certain projects neither need feasibility study nor global tenders. Strange are the ways this govt. functions. :bash:

Fresh meet on port project tomorrow
Bidder for cement terminal has ‘backed out’
:badnews:

A fresh meeting of the prospective bidders willing to participate in the global tender floated by the State government for developing a cement terminal as part of the development of the Azhikkal port here will be held in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, as the sole bidder has apparently backed out.

According to port officials here, the meeting being held at Mascot Hotel in the capital will seek the opinion of the companies on the feasibility and cost of the project.

The meeting is being held in the wake of the reported backing out of the Mumbai-based ABG Group. Apart from the tenders for developing the cement terminal, the government had floated tenders for a multi-purpose terminal for handling general cargo as part of developing the port through public-private partnership mode.

The total estimated project cost is Rs.150 crore. The port has been envisaged to be developed on design, build, operate and transfer basis. A total 85 acres of land has been earmarked for the development of the river-based port. According to the project, 65 acres will be made available for the multi-purpose terminal and 20 acres for the cement terminal. Several companies had shown keen interest in the project at the pre-bid meeting held here on March 3 last.

Azhikkode MLA K.M. Shaji, who has shown interest in getting the port development project in his constituency to set sail, said that though the ABG Group had apparently backed out, another group had expressed interest in the project. He said the July 5 meeting would pave the way for expediting the project.
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article3600678.ece

Azhikkal project gathers dust

KANNUR: The proposal of the state government to develop Azhikkal as a major port seems to be a non-starter due to the lack of enthusiasm on the part of Mumbai-based ABG Group, which was the lone bidder to develop a cement terminal here. Meanwhile ABG has asked more time to give a detailed project report (DPR). The company said they will give a project cost estimate after studying the area.

Though the port department was willing to give the cement terminal development to ABG Group, they seem to be not sure whether this would be a viable project as ABG is exploring the possibility of developing the cement terminal in Kollam.

If Kollam proves to be more viable, there is a possibility of ABG opting for that instead of Azhikkal.

Meanwhile, a high-level meeting of the port officials on Thursday discussed as to why developers are not keen to bid for the ports in Malabar, including Beypore and Azhikkal.

Since they were the lone bidders to develop the cement terminal, the authorities have decided to wait for some more time before thinking of a fresh bid. ABG was planning to develop the terminal by dredging a six-metre draft so that 10,000 tonne ship can be brought to the terminal.

Though a company named Mundra Port and SEZ had earlier won the bid, it later backed out.

If Azhikkal is developed as a major port that caters to the entire country, there is immense possibility to generate business.

Now, despite the uncertainty over the project, authorities have decided to wait till the investors meet 'Emerging Kerala' in September, where the Azhikkal port project is also expected to be presented.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/Azhikkal-project-gathers-dust/articleshow/14696605.cms

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/3411/azheekkalmm.jpg

Azheekkal port is seriously under consideration, says oommen chandy.

from manorama

Universal Lubricant evinces interest in developing Azhikkal Port


KOCHI, OCTOBER 5:
The Sharjah-based Universal Lubricant Group has evinced interest in the development of Azhikkal Port in Kannur. The company has earmarked Rs 150 crore towards developing the port into a modern facility.

Karimpuzha Raman, Director, said the Universal Group is the leading manufacturer of lubricants and one of the largest traders of base oil in the world.

The company, he said, is looking at handling cargoes such as plywood, lubricants and base oil from the proposed facility at Azhikkal.

“We are yet to make a detailed plan before the Government in this regard. However, the company has already sent its investment proposals to the Government and also participated in the recently concluded Emerging Kerala investor meet, showing interest in taking up the project under PPP mode,” he said.

He said the company proposes to develop the facility at Azhikkal in two phases. Phase-I will involve an investment of Rs 75-80 crore, which can be completed in three years. Once developed, the company could generate ample job opportunities in the region both direct and indirect, he added.

Universal Lubricants, which had received several global awards, has got storage terminals and manufacturing facilities in all the major ports of the Gulf countries and in Singapore and in Malaysia. Exports of base oil and oil lubricants can also be carried out from Azhikkal once it is developed as a full-fledged port.
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/article3967874.ece

Azhikkal port work awaits government decision


Five months since ABG Group, the sole bidder, won project
It has been five months since the Mumbai-based ABG Group won the project for developing a cement terminal at the Azhikkal port here, the company being the sole bidder to participate in the global tender floated by the State government.

The project is still in indeterminate state as the government is yet to take a final decision on its execution. The ABG Group, a leading company involved in cement manufacturing and vessel-building, was the sole bidder when the State government floated the tenders for constructing the cement terminal.

While the group has won the project for cement terminal, there was no bidder for the related project for constructing the multi-purpose terminal. According to port officials here, a government decision on the final award of the work is still pending.

The cement terminal project also includes the construction of cement storage silos and dredging the basin to increase its draft from three metres to six metres so that vessels weighing 10,000 tonnes can enter the port.

The port officials said that as the ABG group had commissioned a cement plant in Kutch and another plant was being developed, the port would be a major facility for the group. The increase in the draft of the channel in the port basin would attract bigger vessels to visit the port, they added.

According to the officials, the shipping operations could begin even before the construction of the terminal was completed.

They exuded the hope that the government was expected to take a decision next month on the project to be developed on a build-operate-transfer basis.

The project is estimated to cost Rs.150 crore. An extent of 85 acres of land has been identified for the development of the port, including 65 acres for the multi-purpose terminal and 20 acres for the cement terminal.

The State government floated the tenders following the feasibility report on the port’s development prepared by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India Private Ltd. Mundra Port had earlier won the bid in 2010 in anticipation of the proposed coal-based power project at Cheemeni in Kasaragod. The company had backed out when the government abandoned the proposal for coal-based power plant.

Tender for cement, multi-purpose terminals

No bidder for multi-purpose terminal work
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/azhikkal-port-work-awaits-government-decision/article4040048.ece

Director of Ports, Directorate of Ports, Valiyathura, Vallakkadavu.P.O,
Thiruvananthapuram-695008, invites online bids for development, marketing, operations &
maintenance of Azhikkal port in Kannur District, in Kerala state, South India
under PPP model. The bid submission is through our e-tender website only
(www.keralaports.abcprocure.com )

^^

1. Multipurpose terminal cum general cargo berth at the south bank of Azhikkal Port, (including existing concrete berth constructed near the Port office location and the equipment installed) to handle all types of cargoes (including liquid cargo) but excluding cement and coal cargo in any form; herein after called Multipurpose terminal;
2. Cement terminal at the south bank of Azhikkal Port, to handle all forms cement cargo including raw materials needed to manufacture cement, herein after called Cement terminal;
3. Shipbuilding and ship repair yard at the south bank of Azhikkal Port to establish shipbuilding and/or ship repair facility;

http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r638/asleshrk/azh1_zps04af2869.jpg
http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r638/asleshrk/azh2_zps64a88215.jpg
http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r638/asleshrk/azh3_zps528e2331.jpg


The above figures relating to ship building and repair yard are based on best assessment of desired capacities and cost by Director of Ports. In case of multipurpose and cement terminal a study was conducted by external consultants; however no such study/assessment was done for ship building and repair yard. Bidders are hence expected to conduct study/assessment on their own and accordingly submit a business plan as part of the technical bid.

The multipurpose and cement terminals are considering development of Azhikkal Port on the south bank for all types of cargo and not on the north bank of Azhikkal Port. Shipbuilding and repair yard will be developed at the north bank of Azhikkal Port.

Vice Admiral visits Azhikkal Port

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01296/12TVKRAZHIKKAL__12_1296048f.jpg

Vice Admiral Satish Soni, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, visited the Azhikkal Port here on Tuesday as part of evaluating the coastal security and infrastructural facilities in minor ports.

Vice Admiral Soni reached the port at 4 p.m. and interacted with port officials on the infrastructure facilities in the port and coastal security in the area.

The port officials here said Vice Admiral Soni was in charge of security measures of minor ports. He would visit the Beypore Port in Kozhikode on December 12, they said. The visit lasted nearly half-an-hour. Port officer Capt. Abraham Kuriakose, port assistant executive engineer P. Moosa, and senior port conservator M. Ajinesh were present.
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/vice-admiral-soni-visits-azhikkal/article4190490.ece

Tender invited again. :|

Establishment of a Shipyard/Ship repairing yard in acreated land at Mattool, Azhikkal (PAC:Rs.200 Cr),
Development of port facilities near the existing wharf (PAC:Rs.50 Cr)
and in acreated land near the breakwaters including LPG terminal (PAC:Rs..10 Cr),
Slipway-cum-Dry-dock (PAC: Rs.10 Cr),
Multi-purpose terminal and O&M of above port facilities (PAC: Rs.40 Cr).

Two ships-for-scrap reach SILK unit

http://images.mathrubhumi.com/print_images/2013/Mar/04/00202_254760.jpg
http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01383/02krnaz02-ship_GQ7_1383302e.jpg
A passenger vessel brought as ship-for-scrap at the vessel-breaking-and-making unit of Steel Industries Kerala Ltd. at Azhikkal in Kannur on Saturday

The public sector Steel Industries Kerala Ltd.(SILK)’s vessel-breaking-building unit, at Azhikkal here, has got two ships-for-scrap as the unit has been out of the red with fresh orders for making passenger boats and old vessels sailing to the facility located on a two-hectare land on the bank of the Valapattanam river here.

Two old vessels have reached the unit for dismantling at a time when the prospects of the public sector unit look bright. ‘Tipu Sultan,’ a passenger vessel of the Lakshadweep administration and a cargo ship from Male are the vessels that the unit here has secured for breaking.

It is for the first time that the SILK unit here has got a passenger vessel as ship-for-scrap.

The 850-seater vessel is bigger with a higher air draft.

The SILK unit’s deputy general manager A. Aubid said that more vessels were expected for dismantling at the unit.

In addition to the ships-for-scrap, the unit has also secured orders for making passenger boats for the Kerala State Water Transport Department (KSWTD).

He said five passenger boats for the department were being built at the unit.

The SILK unit at Azhikkal has been making profit since 2006-07 after a long period of crisis. The profit for the current financial year is expected to cross Rs.50 lakh, officials said.
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/two-shipsforscrap-reach-silk-unit/article4473309.ece

Cement terminal gets a concrete plan


After months of uncertainty, hopes of setting up a cement terminal at the Azhikode port have brightened as the State government is expected to take a decision soon on a proposal of the Mumbai-based ABG Cements.

Ports Minister K. Babu told the Assembly in his reply to a submission of K.M. Shaji, Azhikkal MLA, on Thursday that the government was examining a fresh proposal submitted by the company.

A press release issued by the office of the Minister said that in the fresh bid, the company had estimated the revenue share for 30 years at Rs. 52.92 crore.

The original estimate was Rs. 6.15 crore.

The company was the sole bidder in a global tender floated by the government in February 2012.

The Mundra Port had backed out after winning the bid in October 2010 as its plans went awry when the fuel for a proposed power plant at Cheemeni was changed from coal to gas.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/cement-terminal-gets-a-concrete-plan/article4536655.ece

^^ What's the problem with this kid. :bash:

^^ What's the problem with this kid. :bash:

^^
You are right.
Aa cherukkanu entho karyamaya prashnam undu !!!
Ipo thanne chikilsa thedukayanenkil chilapo rakshappedum :lol:

http://www.thezooom.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/I-will-find-you-and-i-will-kill-you.jpg

ashikkal port willbe a truth after 10 years.

ashikkalport willbe a truth after 10 years.

ashikkal port willbe a truth after 10 years.

ashikkalprt

ashikkalport willbe atruth.

ashikkal port

ashikkal port willbe atruth a truth after 10 years.

[QUOTE=sibisibitj;103172576]ashikkal port willbe atruth a truth after 10 years.then after be a majer port

.
poprt willbwe a truth after 10years at ashikkal.

ashikkal port willbe a truth after 10 years.

ashikkal port willbe atruth after 10years.

ashikkalport willbe a truth after 10 years.

Retardo! :lol:

And quoting all his posts is super retardo. :lol: :jk:

And quoting all his posts is super retardo. :lol: :jk:

:lol:

Cement terminal project to get nod


Ports Minister K. Babu has said that the State government will give its consent to a private group to develop a cement terminal at the Azhikkal port here.

The Mumbai-based ABG Group was the sole participant in a bid held in 2011 to develop the terminal. At a function here on Tuesday, the Minister said the next Cabinet meeting would take a decision on the project.

He said two hectares of land had been acquired for the development of the port in five sections, the first being the development of the cement terminal.
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/cement-terminal-project-to-get-nod/article4738270.ece

Five marina ports to be established


Ports Minister K. Babu has said that marina ports will be established at Thalassery, Kozhikode, Kovalam, Alappuzha and Kodungalloor.

Inaugurating the renovation of the Chalil Gopalpetta fishing harbour on Tuesday, Mr. Babu said the projects would be in private-public partnership mode.


http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/five-marina-ports-to-be-established/article4738290.ece