CPT registers record 10.28 per cent growth

Kochi, Apr 3: Buoyed by the reduction in handling costs, Cochin Port Trust (CPT) achieved a record throughput of 15.31 million MTs of cargo during the period 2006-07, an increase of 10.28 per cent over the previous year.

Enumerating CPT's performance to newspersons here, CPT Chairman N Ramachandran said container traffic during the period was 2,26,808 TEUs as against 2,03,112 TEUs last year -- a growth of 11.82 per cent.

Apart from liquid bulk cargo and containers, other items like wheat, zinc concentrate, iron ore pellets, timber logs and coal contributed to the growth, he said.

The Chairman said the port was projecting a growth of 11 per cent for the next financial year.

The port also registered better productivity, with average output per ship berth day improving from 7,767 MTs last year to 8,096 MTs this year.

Mr Ramachandran said adequate measures were initiated to reduce the handling costs and to ensure a more cost-effective, congenial, user-friendly and transparent business environment.

He said 50 per cent concession on all vessel-related charges in respect of mainline ships and a cost reduction of Rs 2,900 for 20 feet containers and Rs 3,800 for 40 feet containers in respect of refer export containers were provided.

Taking advantage of the deep draught of 12.5 metres achieved in early 2006, deep draught vessels with larger parcel sizes began calling during the current year and the average parcel size of vessels increased from 14,400 MTs to 16,900 MTs, he said.

Mr Ramachandran said strict action was taken against unlawful activities and restrictive practices which were adding to the handling costs. He said "with the joint efforts of the Port management, the state administration and the Port users, including stevedores, steamer agents, CHAs and with full support of the trade unions of the Port, these undesirable practices have been fully eliminated and a transparent system has been put in place, thereby reducing the handling costs".

The Chairman said cargo transportation had improved with total freedom of choice in the matter of hiring of trucks, lorries or trailers for transportation.

He said by streamlining the labour booking procedure, handling costs had come down tremendously, fostering better industrial relations and growth in future.

The Port also handled the largest number of cruise, 38 cruise ships with over 16,000 passengers this year.

Regarding the proposed cruise terminal, he said an international consultant would be appointed to conduct a feasibility study.

He said the repair work at the Venduruthy rail bridge was carried out on a war-footing. The bridge would be operational in the immediate future.

He said the ongoing lorry strike had adversely affected the cargo movement in the Port.

UNI