KOCHI: Cochin Port Trust’s efforts to develop Ernakulam Wharf as a general cargo handling facility seems to be bearing fruits with three cargo vessels berthing simultaneously, at the wharf on Tuesday. The Ernakulam Wharf was fully occupied with the berthing cargo vessels - mv Heron carrying 27,000 MTs of shredded scrap and mv Santana carrying 18,000 MTs of coal and mv Jindal Manjula carrying 2775 MTs (965 nos) of pipes. The vessels are berthed at Q5, Q8 and Q9 berths prospectively. After the container handling was shifted to the International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), Vallarpadam, in February 2011, it is the first time that Ernakulam Wharf, where the Rajiv Gandhi Container Terminal is located, is fully occupied.“We are expecting more ships carrying general cargo including industrial salt, sulphur and pipes, later this month,” said the Cochin Port Trust authorities. Consequent to the shifting of the container terminal operation from Willingdon Island to Vallarpadam, the deep draft berths and a large backup area at Ernakulam Wharf of the port is planned to be used for handling various types of bulk/break bulk cargo. The port is focusing on developing the wharf as a major bulk cargo consolidation centre of South India. Another advantage is that both the berths have the proximity of channel of 12.5-metres draft and a railway line. The port trust has already invited bids for the mechanisation of Q8-Q9 berths where 12.5-metres draft is available for handling dry bulk cargo and for Q-5 berth for setting up bulk cement handling plant.“We are also procuring several cargo handling equipment to facilitate higher productivity and faster turnaround. Recently, seven more stevedoring companies have registered with Cochin Port Trust for cargo handling activities. Presently, there are 12 organisations which offer stevedore services. Regular meetings are being held with the Vessel Agents, Stevedores and Labour Unions to ensure faster turnaround of the vessels. The port trust is expecting a 12 per cent growth in cargo throughput in the current year,” Cochin Port Trust chairman Paul Antony said.
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