International Container Transshipment Terminal, Kochi

History

Container Transshipment Terminal, Kochi first came to the mind of Dr. Babu Paul IAS, He proposed this project to K Karunakaran but the central government was not interested in this project. On 16 February 2005, Dubai Ports World announced that it has signed an agreement with the Cochin Port Trust (CoPT) to construct, develop and operate an International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – An India Gateway Terminal – at Vallarpadam.

The project was, formally, launched with the laying of the foundation stone by Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India. Approval for the agreement was given by the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs of the Government of India, Ministry of Finance and meanwhile, the DP World will manage and subsequently transfer its operations at the Rajiv Gandhi Container Terminal in Cochin Port to the new terminal upon its completion. The DP World has been granted a 38-year concession for the exclusive operation and management of the site.

Overview

Vallarpadam Terminal is the first in the country to operate in a special economic zone.

• The first phase was opened in 2011 with a 600 m Quay length and a draft of 14.5 m, with a capacity to handle 1 million TEUs. In October 2023, the terminal capacity was increased to 1.4 million TEUs after the arrival of six new cranes, including two STS megamax cranes.
• In the second phase the capacity will be enhanced to 3 million TEUs.
• In the third phase the terminal may handle even up to 5.5 million TEUs.

The total cost of the project is estimated at 3200 crore.

DP World has estimated that the total initial investment required will be approximately US$20 million which includes the immediate provision of four RTGs and two Mobile Harbour Cranes to the Terminal -to improve yard handling, truck turnaround time and quayside operations.

There is a railway connection between Vallarpadam terminal and Edappally Railway station on the strategic Shoranur-Ernamkulam railway line .

Strategically, located on the main east–west global shipping lines and offering draft of about 16 m, Cochin is destined to develop as the premier gateway to southern India, as also offering an alternative to Sri Lanka and Singapore for containers being transshipped for the Indian market.

Location

The terminal is located in the Vallarpadam island in Kochi.

Opening

On 11 February 2011 the terminal was inaugurated by Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India.

References

• Prime Minister inaugurates Rs 3,200 cr ICTT at Cochin Port
• PM to open container terminal in Kerala
• Vallarpadam terminal: DP World submits plan to Kochi port
• Ineptness delays Vallarpadam container terminal
• Kochi Port can opt to operate box terminal -Trade Union
• 6 new generation cranes arrive at Vallarpadam
• Radioactive detectors to be installed at ports
• Mammoth cranes for Vallarpadam arrive

References

1. "Vallarpadam container terminal handles 73,636 TEUs in July, records 22% growth in April-July period". [[The Hindu]].
2. (2016-02-08). "DP World Kochi poised to grow its capacity". [[Gulf News]].
3. (2016-02-17). "Tenders for consultants for Colachel port by March". [[India Today]].
4. (2011-02-06). "PM to open Vallarpadam terminal on Feb 11". The New Indian Express.
5. (2011-02-11). "PM inaugurates container terminal in Kerala". The New Indian Express.
6. "Vallarpadam container terminal handles 73,636 TEUs in July, records 22% growth in April-July period". [[The Hindu]].
7. "ICTT elevates excellence with mega max cranes". [[The New Indian Express]].
8. "Vallarpadam container terminal handles 73,636 TEUs in July, records 22% growth in April-July period". [[The Hindu]].
9. "DP World awards Vallarpadam terminal civil works to Simplex". The Economic Times.