The Cochin Port, Kerala’s second-largest port after the Vizhinjam International Seaport, is set to undergo significant development initiatives totaling approximately Rs 10,000 crore, as reported by Malayala Manorama. This extensive investment will benefit the entire port area in Kochi, encompassing both Cochin Port and Cochin Shipyard.
A notable allocation of Rs 1,500 crore is designated for enhancing the Vallarpadam Transhipment Terminal, managed by DP World, to boost its container handling capacity. Despite the advantageous deeper draft seabed off Thiruvananthapuram, which is more suitable for large vessels, plans include investing around Rs 800 crore to deepen the draft at Kochi to accommodate motherships at Vallarpadam. The Cochin Port Authority has engaged the Dredging Corporation of India to deepen the draft from 14.5 meters to between 16 and 16.5 meters.
Additional developments include a Rs 500 crore LNG bunkering facility in collaboration with BPCL and a public chemical fertilizer plant planned for Willingdon Island. Moreover, a 5.5-acre storage facility at Q9 berth is projected to cost Rs 370 crore, alongside new ship-offloader cranes. Other investments include a 2,000-tonne ammonia tank at Q4 berth and a bulk liquid terminal with Essar, both aimed at enhancing the port’s capabilities.
Further investments are anticipated for cruise tourism development at Willingdon Island, alongside a petrochemical container tank farm at Q5 terminal. These initiatives, coupled with a Rs 3,800 crore ship block construction unit by Cochin Shipyard and a Rs 1,500 crore international ship repair facility at Willingdon Island, are expected to significantly elevate the region’s maritime sector.
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