CCEA approves deepening channel and basin at Tuticorin Port

New Delhi, June 5 : The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its approval for deepening the channel and basin to cater to 12.80 m draught vessels at Tuticorin Port.

The approval includes dredging the channel to a depth of upto (-) 14.70 m below chart datum and to a width of 230 m and to a length of 3.40 km from the Port entrance.

It also includes dredging a part of the existing Harbour Basin area including the turning circle to a depth upto (-) 14.10 m below chart datum.

The estimated cost of the project is Rs.538.00 crore of which Rs.349.70 crore (65 per cent) is to be borne by Tuticorin Port Trust either from its internal resources or borrowings and Rs.188.30 crores (35 per cent) will be given by GOI as grant.

With the implementation of this project, Tuticorin Port will be able to handle main line - fourth generation container vessels of 56000 DWT (3000-4000 TEU's) with LOA of 290 m; beam of 32.50m, bulk carrier upto 75000 DWT with maximum draught of 12.80 m, reduce the sea freight for bulk cargo and boost the EXIM Trade to save time and Transhipment cost of vessels.

ANI