Cochin Port, Shipyard & Vallarpadam ICTT

[Malayaali]

Cochin Shipyard delivered Platform Supply Vessel

കൊച്ചി കപ്പല്ശാല പ്ലാറ്റ്ഫോം സപ്ലൈ വെസ്സല് കൈമാറി

കൊച്ചി: കൊച്ചി കപ്പല്ശാലയില് നിര്മിച്ച 'സ്കാന്ഡി ഹോക്ക്' എന്ന പ്ലാറ്റ്ഫോം സപ്ലൈ വെസ്സല് നോര്വേയിലെ ഡിഒഎഫ് റെഡെറി രണ്ട് എഎസ്-ന് കൈമാറി.
മൂന്നാം തവണയാണ് ഉന്നത സാങ്കേതിക നിലവാരം പുലര്ത്തുന്ന ഓഫ്ഷോര് വെസ്സല് കൊച്ചി കപ്പല്ശാലയില് നിര്മിക്കുന്നത്. കൊച്ചി കപ്പല്ശാലയ്ക്കുവേണ്ടി ഡയറക്ടര് (ടെക്നിക്കല്) പി. വിനയകുമാറും കപ്പലുടമയ്ക്കുവേണ്ടി പ്രോജക്ട് മാനേജര് ടെര്ജി റബ്ബെന്നും കൈമാറ്റ രേഖകളില് ഒപ്പുവെച്ചു.

ഈ വെസ്സല് പിഎസ്*വി 09 സിഡി വിഭാഗത്തിലുള്ളതും ഡിഎന്വിയുടെ ഗുണനിലവാര നിയന്ത്രണങ്ങള്ക്കനുസൃതവുമായി രൂപകല്പ്പന ചെയ്തതതുമാണ്. 88 മീറ്റര് നീളവും 19 മീറ്റര് വീതിയുമുള്ള വെസ്സല് ഉയര്ന്നതരം ഡീസല് ഇലക്ട്രിക് പിഎസ്വിയാണ്. സിഒഎംഎഫ് ക്ലാസ്സിലുള്ള വെസ്സലില് ശബ്ദവും വിറയലും കുറവാണ്.
62 പേര്ക്കുള്ള താമസ സൗകര്യമുണ്ട്. നൈട്രജനും ഇതര ലോഫ്ലാഷ് ദ്രാവകങ്ങളും കൈകാര്യം ചെയ്യുവാന് പ്രത്യേക സ്റ്റെയിന്ലസ്സ് സ്റ്റീല് ടാങ്കുകളും ഉണ്ട്.

[Malayaali]

New measures to ease loading, unloading of cargo at Kochi port

A high-level meeting held at the Cochin Port Trust has decided to adopt various measures for the smooth loading and unloading of cargo.

The Railways spelt out various new plans to increase rail movement to de-congest the roads in the State.

The port users highlighted that a major pre-condition for diverting port cargo through the Railways would be to ensure appropriate labour practices and competitive rates for loading and unloading in the port area. It was pointed out that the existing system under the Kerala Head Load Workers Welfare Board had many deficiencies which perpetuated notional wages/nokkukooli (notional wages), making the port uncompetitive vis-à-vis other ports. In order to curb nokkukooli, port officials would counter sign the indent placed by the port users on the KHWWB, so that port users would not be under pressure to indent for more than the required number of labour from the KHWWB. The KHWWB will make all efforts to supply labour strictly according to indents.

The board will proceed according to the law to remove workers who are continuously absent after giving the statutory notice.

The KHWWB will review the present pool system of Head Load Workers and rearrange all the existing members of the scheme in the port area according to the requirement.

In view of the severe shortage of workers experienced in certain areas of cargo handling , the Port Trust Chairman said the port plans to introduce automated bagging from the fourth week of February. This would speed up evacuation of cargo such as fertilizers from the port, attracting more ship arrivals and increase traffic through the Railways.

[bijuarr]

Concor proposed to resume road transport service from next week to Kochi, Chennai and Tuticorin from Coimbatore



Container Corporation of India (Concor) has resumed its container train service to Chennai from the Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Irugur. Deputy General Manager of the ICD, N. Rajaram, told The Hindu here on Saturday that Concor operated weekly train service to Chennai last year from the ICD because of demand from the sugar and textile machinery industries.

Now, over a dozen coir exporters had come forward to make use of the Inland Container Depot facility.

On Saturday, about 10 containers of coir products and cotton yarn were sent by train from the Inland Container Depot to Chennai.

Mr. Rajaram said the plan was to operate a weekly train on Friday. About 50 per cent of coir products that used the train service were stuffed at the factory and transported to the Inland Container Depot.

The rest was stuffed at the ICD. Concor proposed to resume road transport service from next week to Kochi, Chennai and Tuticorin.

The industry had the option to use private trailers or those with the Inland Container Depot to transport the export cargo containers to Irugur. Another area of focus was imports.

Custom House and Steamers Agents' Association of Coimbatore President R. Rajesh Kumar said the potential for coir exports from Irugur was huge.

The exporters were now sending nearly 300 containers of coir products by road directly to Chennai every month.

They exported mainly to the countries in the Far East. The volume would go up at the Irugur ICD if the trailer facility improved.

The Concor would be able to increase the frequency of the train service if there was adequate volume to support the service.

Concor and some of the members of the association had worked for the last two months to encourage the industry to use the train service.

“This train facility will benefit the exporters of various commodities who use the Chennai port,” he said further.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/article2862114.ece

[rockystone]

Cochin Shipyard delivers vessel to Norway

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/...ue&ref=wl_home
The public sector Cochin Shipyard delivered a Platform Supply Vessel — Skandi Hawk — to DOF Rederi II, AS, Norway.

This is the third of the high-tech offshore vessels that have been constructed and delivered by CSL this financial year.

The Protocol documents of the ship were signed by Mr Vinayakumar P, Director (Technical), on behalf of Cochin Shipyard, and Mr Terje Rabben, Project Manager, DOF, on behalf of the owners.

The vessel is of the PSV-09 CD type designed by STX OSV Norway and is classed under the Rules and Regulations of Det Norske Veritas and is flagged under the Norwegian regulations.

The vessel, with Grade II Dynamic Positioning features, has been assigned the ‘CLEAN' design notation by DNV, signifying the highest levels of environmental compliance.

It can accommodate 62 persons meets the requirements of COMF class, signifying high comfort levels due to special arrangements to minimise noise and vibration levels.

[Malayaali]

Kerala to release funds for improving infrastructure at cruise terminal

Kochi Port's proposal to develop world-class cruise tourism facilities has got a fillip, with the Kerala State Government deciding to release Rs 1.32 crore for improving infrastructure at the existing cruise terminal.

The Port already has a basic facility south of the Willingdon Island, which is now being utilised to cater to cruise tourism needs. The money sanctioned by the State Government will be utilised for air-conditioning of the existing facility, establishing a data communication system, setting up closed-circuit TVs and a public address system and for furnishings and structural improvements of the hall.

The State Government has taken note that the Port had established a reputation for itself as a leading cruise tourism destination, receiving regular cruise calls. The port is also the home port for some cruise liners.

IMPROVING FACILITIES

The Port had submitted a proposal for improving cruise tourism facilities at an estimated expenditure of Rs 7 crore and the Union Government had already sanctioned Rs 4.91 crore towards the expenditure under the scheme assistance to central agencies for tourism infrastructure development.

Considering the great potential offered by cruise tourism, the Union Shipping Ministry has drawn up a cruise tourism policy giving Kochi, along with Goa and Mumbai prominence and preference in building infrastructure.

A recent meeting of the Parliamentary Committee held here also noted the potential of Kochi for developing into a world-class cruise destination.

CRUISE DESTINATION

The emergence of Kochi as a cruise destination of note has been a long time in the making.

The Union Tourism Ministry extended financial assistance to the tune of Rs 1.45 crore during 2008-09. The project sanctioned by the Government was completed at a lower cost of Rs 1.22 crore.

An amount of Rs 4.91 crore was sanctioned and Rs 2.45 crore released during the current financial year to the Port for improving cruise tourism facilities.

According to the Shipping Ministry estimates, cruise tourism and related hospitality business across the globe are growing at 12 per cent a year and the sector offered great scope for development in the country.

[Malayaali]

Lack of Navys NOC hits terminal work at CPT

The construction of a dedicated terminal for Lakshadweep-bound passenger and cargo ships at the Cochin port is likely to be delayed owing to the Southern Naval Command’s refusal to issue a no-objection Certificate (NOC) for it.
The terminal is being constructed by the Cochin Port Trust on the western side of Willingdon Island, between the South Coal Berth and the Workshop Jetty. The land was leased out by the Port Trust.
The proposed terminal will have a 300-metre-long berth, a passenger waiting hall of about 1,100 square metres, a cargo storage area of about 400 square metres and a vehicle parking area. The terminal will also have facilities such as prayer halls, bank counter, tourist information counter, first aid centre, snack bar and toilets. Though the project was planned at an estimated cost of `32 crore, it has now gone up to `5 crore.
The construction of the berths has almost been completed. The construction of the terminal building is in a stage where Naval sanction is mandatory.
According to the Naval authorities, the NOC was denied due to safety reasons. “As per the directions from the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), those who are engaged in any kind of construction within a 20-kilometre radius of an aerodrome should get an NOC from the aerodrome authorities.
In the case of construction of the terminal, they have not even requested for the NOC. They had just sent us an intimation that the construction had begun. They were supposed to have obtained NOC for starting the construction.” The Naval authorities, however, said that the issue would be considered based on its merit.
About ten passenger ships and several other cargo vessels are plying between Lakshadweep Islands and Kochi and these vessels are being anchored at different berths of Cochin Port due to lack of an exclusive berthing facility.
“The terminal was envisaged as a dedicated terminal. It will be a boon for the Lakshadweep islanders who have to depend on the mainland, which is about 185 miles away, for higher education, medical purposes, food items, fuel and consumer goods,” sources said.

[vjkrishn]

Kochi port offers onshore power to berthed ships

Ships calling at Kochi Port may soon be able to save on energy consumption as the Port Authority has started offering onshore power to berthed ships. This will also reduce emissions from ships as the berthed ship can switch of their engines. The move is part of the port's efforts to comply with the guidelines on climate initiatives relating to shipping and to reduce air pollution.

The port authorities, on an experimental basis, have started supplying onshore power to ships berthed at the port. The first one to get the on-shore energy was the cruise vessel Amet Majesty, which operates from Kochi as the home port.

USING GENERATORS

The power was provided using generators. The shipping company reportedly informed the port that they could save Rs 60,000 a day on fuel cost following the use of on-shore power, the port officials said. This initiative is in compliance with the guidelines on climate initiatives related to shipping issued by the International Maritime Organisation.

TURNING OFF SHIPS ENGINES

The officials pointed out that ships berthed at the port for a longer spell (more than three days is considered as a longer spell) will be supplied power from the shore till the ships leave the port. During the period, auxillary engine of the ships, which runs to operate the systems, will be turned off to reduce diesel consumption.

Turning off the engine during the berthing time will help reduce air pollution and air emissions such as nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxidants also. Noise levels are also reduced in the case of larger vessels.

The IMO has focused on reducing the environmental impacts of shipping through its legislations since the 80's.

The IMO's convention MARPOL Annexe VI, which limits the amount of pollutants in marine fuels came into effect in 2005. As of today, there is no specific regulation insisting the use of onshore power supply. However, ports over the world have started initiatives in creating provision for onshore power supply in the direction of IMO's general objectives, the port officials said.

There are also plans to provide the facility to Lakshadweep bound vessels from Kochi. When a ship is berthed at the port, it needs power for various purposes which included air conditioning system and for loading and unloading operations for cranes and lifts.

Usually, merchant ships do not have a longer stay at ports and they work on the power generated internally through diesel powered generators. However, the officials clarified that it will take some more time to extend the onshore power supply facility to ships at Vallarpadam terminal, as the port has to enhance its electrical infrastructure.

[mohammedirshad06]

CPT sees, ICTT all set to thrive in near Future

Port Officials Believe That Once Cabotage Waiver Is Granted, Vallarpadam Terminal Will Become A Busy Hub

By T Ramavarman | TNN

Cochin Port Trust (CPT) chairman Paul Antony is confident that the international container trans-shipment terminal (ICTT) at Vallarpadam will do well though it faces troubling times ahead. “What we need is a level playing field with ports like Colombo. We have again submitted all the updated documents to the shipping minister that supports our demand for a cabotage waiver. We are optimistic that our demand will be approved soon,’’ said Antony, on the eve of the terminal’s first anniversary.



Set up as a joint venture between CPT and DP World (Dubai), the terminal commissioned on February 11, 2011 was slated to achieve a 200% growth in the first year of operations in terms of the volume of cargo handled at the erstwhile Cochin port. But figures indicate the growth has been meagre 5% and in fact it was negative in some months.

But Antony says once the waiver is granted, the terminal will become a vibrant hub. “We are upbeat even amidst these crises and I believe we will do well in the next two years. We have drawn up plans to build a host of port-related facilities in the coming years. We will have a free trade warehousing zone, a ship repair facility, a general cargo berth and a bunkering terminal,’’ he said.

Antony added that efforts are on the resolve the customs inspection row as well. The setting up of two customs freight stations will ease this row significantly. The prime minister's office is overseeing these issues. CPT had estimated that the cargo coming to Cochin Port would double from 3.5 lakh containers to 7 lakh containers in the first year of commissioning of ICTT. But not many main line vessels called at the ICTT. CPT and DP World authorities blamed the delays in relaxing Cabotage rules for the ICTT and settling the customs inspection row.

Cabotage rules insist that only Indian flagged vessels can remove the international container cargo arriving at ICTT to other Indian ports. The mainline vessels find this a major impediment in using ICTT as a hub port because they can transship international cargo from ports like Colombo even to Indian ports at a lesser cost and higher efficiency, by using vessels of foreign companies. Also the total capacity of the Indian feeder vessel fleet is only 8500 TEU, which is much lower than the levels required for international cargo handling. This would mean that the cargo to be transshipped will have to wait for long at ICTT.

The Railway Vikas Nigam Limited had set up 8.5 km rail link that connects the terminal to railway network of the country. The rail link for the project also includes India’s longest railway bridge 4.62 km, which has been constructed over the Vembanad Lake. But just two or three trains pass through that rail track every week now. “We could have generated more revenue if we had rented out that rail line for film shooting,’’ said a railway official.

The port itself had to spend huge amount for dredging to enable mother vessels to enter the terminal. It is spending an additional amount of Rs 100 crore for maintenance dredging this year. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who had dedicated the first phase of facility to the nation last year had described the project as a ‘long-awaited milestone in the development of our country’s logistics infrastructure’.

“The absence of a global hub port and the lack of transshipment facilities had put our trade at a disadvantage. Today 60% of India’s export and import containers are transshipped through ports like Singapore and Colombo. This transshipment through ports outside the country involves additional expenditure of $300 per container and extra seven to ten days of transit time. With the building of this terminal our exporters can now access mainline container vessels calling at one of the most well located parts of India,’’ the prime minister had said.

VALLARPADAM ICTT’S RARE DISTINCTION - NO STRIKE

Kochi: The international container transshipment terminal (ICTT) at Vallarpadam has achieved a rare record on the labour front in its very first year of operation. The terminal did not face any labour strife and thus was on call every day — a refreshing feat considering that the state as a whole and the port in particular has had this ill-reputation of being plagued by labour unrest.

“It has been a period of amazing industrial peace here. We have undertaken several restructuring on the labour front including redeployment as well as cut in DA, LTC, and even medical allowances. But our people stood with us when we had a crisis,’’ said CPT chairman Paul Antony. The port currently employs about 3,200 people and its wage bill is around Rs 120 crore. About 1,000 people will retire from the port over the next couple of years and the port intends to float the VRS option to another 500 employees, the chairman said.

FUTURE PLANS

Cochin Port is setting up a full-fledged cruise terminal facility for 7 crore with central and state govt support

Cochin Port’s free trade warehousing zone plan is waiting central govt’s clearance Seven business groups have placed their bids for the project after tenders were invited in 2008. Around 102 acres of land have been earmarked for the project. Only Visakhapatanam and Nhava Sheva are the two other ports in the southern region to have such a facility

The port plans to complete the awarding of tenders for the shiprepair yard it is planning to build within a year. Eight bidders have submitted tenders for this project

The port has drawn up plans to tap Kochi’s potential to offer bunkering facilities at lesser costs

Four Container Freight Stations (CFS) will be set up near ICTT

Work on the first CFS has already begun, INKEL will set up the second one. Tendering for the third CFS will begin soon. A proposal to set up a cement bagging facility at the old terminal is also under active consideration. Indian Oil Corporation has been given 50 hectares of land by the port to set up a LPG storage facility

[Malayaali]

‎Cochin Port Trust Head Quarters, Willingdon Island

[Malayaali]

പവനായി ശവമാകാതിരുന്നാല് മതിയായിരുന്നു

Vallarpadam all set to spread wings

Having received a green signal for the second container freight station (CFS) near the International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), the Vallarpadam Island will be abuzz with logistics activities within next few months.
The clearance for the second CFS was issued by the Union Government last week. This CFS is being developed by the state-owned Infrastructure Kerala Limited (INKEL) and MIV Logistics Private Limited.
Vallarpadam, the small Island where the first international container transshipment in the country is located, will have four CFSs in the next few months. Aiming at developing Vallarpadam into a major logistics hub, the Cochin Port Trust has earmarked 54 acres of land near the ICTT for developing the CFSs.
The Union Government has already issued clearance for a CFS being set up by the Gateway Distriparks (Kerala) (GDKL), the joint venture company floated by Gateway Distriparks and Chakiat Group. This CFS, which will have warehousing facilities of approximately 25,000 sq ft and storage facilities for around 1,000 TEUs and customs station, is expected to start functioning this month as a pre-stage facility in the first phase. “Now that the government has issued the clearance for the second one too, the Port Trust will begin the tender procedure for the third one this week,” said Cochin Port Trust chairman Paul Antony.
“Providing a CFS facility will be a great support to the traders as they can meet all their shipping requirements under a roof, that too near the ICTT. The CFS are also expected to generate a lot of employment opportunities. Developers for the remaining area earmarked will be fixed through tenders,” Paul added.
“The CFS being developed by the INKEL is coming up on 18.5 acres of land on the left side of the road leading to the Vallarpadam Church. It will be better if there are six CFS near a transshipment terminal like ICTT Vallarpadam Terminal,” said C Unnikrishnan, traffic manager of the Cochin Port.
KDKLs CFS will have warehousing facilities approximately 25,000 sq ft and storage facilities for around 1,000 TEUs. It will also have facilities for customs official to inspect the cargo.

[e_arunsid]

I dont think there is a need to be concerned abt ICTT. Any project of this size would take its time to become stable and profitable. Give it another 2years with a relaxation on cabotage law ICTT kochi will be one of the leading ports in the country.

[mohammedirshad06]

I too join with this.... Every project requires some time to stablize and steamline its operations.... Especially a newer concept and many hurdles, legal, infrastructure, social, finance etc.....

We have cases here World's Third largest Airport Delhi and World's Best Airport Hyderabad, reporting deep red in its first 2 years of operation. It doesn't mean its a failed model... It takes time to stablize and sooner or later they get into their right model. ICTT is also taking its time.

The only issue was wrong estimation made by their staff, that within a year 100% traffic increase will happen.... That was too over estimation, especially when Kerala as whole donot have huge hinterland traffic to support... Yet 5% is something good, considering the scale of project....

Surely within a year or two, it will grew into one of South Asia's most busiest and respectable port!!!!

[Malayaali]

Vembanad Rail Bridge - Vallarpadam - 4.62 km long

image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr

cc: RIAZ Photography

image hosted on flickr

cc: MrCrisp

[mohammedirshad06]

Vallarpadam to spread more wings of development

Having received a green signal for the second container freight station (CFS) near the International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), the Vallarpadam Island will be abuzz with logistics activities within next few months.

The clearance for the second CFS was issued by the Union Government last week. This CFS is being developed by the state-owned Infrastructure Kerala Limited (INKEL) and MIV Logistics Private Limited.

Vallarpadam, the small Island where the first international container transshipment in the country is located, will have four CFSs in the next few months. Aiming at developing Vallarpadam into a major logistics hub, the Cochin Port Trust has earmarked 54 acres of land near the ICTT for developing the CFSs.

The Union Government has already issued clearance for a CFS being set up by the Gateway Distriparks (Kerala) (GDKL), the joint venture company floated by Gateway Distriparks and Chakiat Group. This CFS, which will have warehousing facilities of approximately 25,000 sq ft and storage facilities for around 1,000 TEUs and customs station, is expected to start functioning this month as a pre-stage facility in the first phase. “Now that the government has issued the clearance for the second one too, the Port Trust will begin the tender procedure for the third one this week,” said Cochin Port Trust chairman Paul Antony.

“Providing a CFS facility will be a great support to the traders as they can meet all their shipping requirements under a roof, that too near the ICTT. The CFS are also expected to generate a lot of employment opportunities. Developers for the remaining area earmarked will be fixed through tenders,” Paul added.

“The CFS being developed by the INKEL is coming up on 18.5 acres of land on the left side of the road leading to the Vallarpadam Church. It will be better if there are six CFS near a transshipment terminal like ICTT Vallarpadam Terminal,” said C Unnikrishnan, traffic manager of the Cochin Port.

KDKLs CFS will have warehousing facilities approximately 25,000 sq ft and storage facilities for around 1,000 TEUs. It will also have facilities for customs official to inspect the cargo.

[Malayaali]

Cochin Port invites tender for CFS

Cochin Port has invited tenders for setting up the third container freight station (CFS) near to International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), Vallarpadam.

According to a release received here on Tuesday, 7.52 hectares of land will be leased for 30 years for setting up the container freight station. The port has plans to set up four container freight station close to ICTT, and work has started on one while tenders have already been invited for the second and third. The port also hopes to get approval for the fourth one soon.

[e_arunsid]

Slowly n Steadily the support infrastructure is also coming up..
Expect the real boom in next 2 year..

[Malayaali]

CPT wants land occupants to ensure minimum revenue

KOCHI: Cochin Port Trust (CPT) has issued notices to its various land occupants warning that the land allocated to them will be taken back if they are not able to ensure a minimum guaranteed output or revenue attached to each plot.

CPT chairman Paul Antony said steps have been taken to optimum use of the land in accordance with the master plan of the port. Optimal utilization of land is also expected to enhance revenue of the port.

The Central shipping ministry has also issued a directive asking the ports to utilize their land reserves effectively.

The Cochin Port has a total of 2,000 acres spread across Willingdon Island, Puthuvypeen, and Vallarpadam. Out of this, there is a huge demand for the 950 acres of its land at Willingdon Island.

The port has about 250 lessees in this area who have been given land on lease for a period of 30 years. Out of them about 120 lease deals are likely to come up for renewal this year-end.

"We will review the lease deal only when they come up for renewal. If the port requires the land for related activities, the land will be taken back. If the port doesn't require the land for its own use, it will be leased to those parties who are able to ensure a minimum guaranteed output," Paul said.

The port charges an annual fee of around Rs 22 lakh per hectare for the land leased for commercial purposes, and Rs 17.78 lakh per hectare for warehouses. The port charges about Rs 67,000 per hectare for land allotted for residential purposes. If the occupants construct buildings on the land allotted to them and sublet it to others, they will have to pay an additional Rs 25/sq ft per month to the port.

The port often finds it difficult to provide land to those parties who come up with proposals to set up port-related activities.

"Recently somebody had approached us with a proposal to construct a godown with a capacity of one million tonnes, over a plot with an area of six acres. On the other side, several lessees are using the land for activities which are not related to port. It is one reason why we decided to revisit our land leasing policies," the chairman said.

[mohammedirshad06]

Originally Posted by Mohamed Kabeer

Best move by CPT ;have to evacuate legal as well as illegal lessees for the betterment of COCHIN ; Wellington Island . B t w , CPT proposes to build an OUTER HARBOR which is said to EVEN accommodate Cochin Ship Yard , Southern Naval Command inclusive of NAD near ALUVA , NPOL at Kakkanad .
Any way Kudos CPT for the present INIATIVE .

Well, at the moment, the land available in Puthuvypeen is just enough for new Port only..... And CPT have earlier vetoed Shipyard's proposal to start their second phase there. I don't think, at the moment, CPT will revise their stand, unless there is something extraordinary reason.

In my opinion, sooner or later, CPT must explore the possibility of developing the off-shore island formed due to constant deposit of sand, off Fort Kochi. Though its initial costs are higher, its the most strategic and valuable piece of development. Surely CPT, alone cannot handle that.... But once developed, it shall be a masterpiece of its own right in India....... A mega shipyard, a off-shore deep water sea port, a mega oil transhippment SEZ, something sort of Jamnagar, an operational base for Naval ships etc and a mini township for SEZ and Port officials, will surely justify the costs.

[vjkrishn]

Ro-Ro a roaring success

A year into its service, the Ro-Ro experiment is proving to be a big hit and not just economically. Saving more than 6,09,980 litres of diesel in a year, the success of the service has pinpointed the huge potential of a streamlined water transport system that leaves the environment less polluted.

Ro-Ro barges are ferries designed to carry wheeled cargo such as automobiles, trucks, semi-trailer trucks and trailers.
It was on February 17, 2011, that the Ro-Ro service connecting the Bolghatty Island and the Willingdon Island was started.

The facility was set up by the Cochin Port Trust (CPT) in association with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to facilitate cargo movement between Willingdon Island and the International container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), Vallarpadam.

The terminals at Bolghatty and Willingdon Island were designed and constructed by the CPT with the financial assistance of `16.63 crore granted by the IWAI.

“One year since the commencement of operation, the service seems to be a great success. It shows we should utilise our waterways in an effective manner because waterways are eco-friendly and cost saving. Projects of similar kind should be promoted,” said Cochin Port Trust traffic manager C Unnikrishnan, who conceived the Ro- Ro service project.
Though the Ro-Ro terminal was commissioned in April 2010, the service began only on February 17, 2011, one week after commissioning the ICTT at Vallarpadam.

Since then till February 15 2012, over 43,700 containers and trailers were transported via Ro-Ro service. That is, an average of 120 container lorries are being transported a day between Willingdon Island and Bolghatty island via waterways. Of these, maximum number of wheeled cargo was transported during June 2011. The average number of container lorries a day in the month was 300.

“At a rate of three kilometres a litre, each of those vehicle has saved 14 litres of diesel by avoiding transport via city roads. Considerable fall in the amount of smoke emitted and traffic congestion should also be considered. The total saving in terms of diesel comes around 6,09,980 litres,” Unnikrishnan said.

“In future, the Ro-Ro facility can be extended to Aroor, which is considered to be the gateway to Kochi. Since Aroor is a hub of sea food processing units, transportation via waterway will be viable,” he added.

[Malayaali]

Crude oil unloading to resume at Kochi Port

A file photo of the Italian tanker Enrica Lexie that shot two Indian fishermen to death on February 17.

KOCHI, FEB 20: Giving much relief to the Kochi Port and BPCL-Kochi Refinery, the Italian tanker Enrica Lexie, which was involved in the killing of two fishermen off Kerala coast last week, has been shifted to the outer channel of the port on Monday morning.

The Port Marine Department steered the vessel to the outer channel from the Cochin Oil Terminal and the shifting of the vessel would enable the BPCL-KR to berth its vessels, which was waiting at the outer channel with crude oil for the last two days.

The detention of the Italian vessel at the oil terminal, which was exclusively maintained by the BPCL-KR, had hampered the normal functioning of the terminal, since last Thursday night and the BPCL-KR has taken up the matter with the port authorities to sort out the issue at the earliest.

Earlier, the Kochi City Police had given permission to shift the Italian tanker Enrica Lexie to the outer channel of the port following the arrest of the two Italian armed guards, involved in the killing, on Sunday night. Though the ship was shifted to the outer channel, it will be put under the strict surveillance of the Navy and the Coast Guard, senior police officials said. The port will monitor the movements of the ship through the radars attached to the Vessel Traffic Management System. This would help the port to alert the Coast Guard and the Navy, the officials added.

According to senior port officials, the port will have to recover the expenditure such as berth hire, port dues and pilotage from the Italian ship for the three days, which will be around Rs 20 lakh. The shipping company has appointed an agent in Kochi and they are responsible for making the payments.

The Italian ship will be sailing from the outer channel once it receives the clearance from the investigating agencies and other regulatory agencies such as the Mercantile Marine Department, the officials added.