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Raja Simhan T.E.

Chennai , Oct. 6

THE Chennai container terminal achieved better growth in box handling than its nearest competitors — Tuticorin and Kochi — during January-August 2003 compared to the corresponding period last year.

The Chennai Container Terminal Ltd (CCTL), the private terminal operator running the port's container terminal, achieved an 18 per cent growth in box handling in the first eight months of the calendar year 2003 compared to last year. The CCTL handled 3.08 lakh TEUs (twenty foot equivalent units) during January-August 2003.

On the other hand, Tuticorin port's container terminal, operated by the private terminal operator, PSA-SICAL, had a 5.7 per cent growth to 1.51 lakh TEUs during January-August 2003 over 2002. The Kochi port had a 0.1 per cent growth during January-August 2003 over last year, said industry sources.

Mr Ganesh Raj, CEO, CCTL, said the average productivity levels at the Chennai container terminal increased to 23 moves per hour per crane from 18 moves per hour per crane in 2002. The vessel turnaround time reduced to 17 hours in 2003 against 24 hours last year. Similarly, the average vessel calls increased to 48 calls per month in 2003 from 38 calls per month in 2002.

"Our vision has always been to develop Chennai as the chosen gateway for East-bound traffic from northern, central and southern India. Connectivity to northern hinterland has been established in addition to southern and central India," Mr Raj said.

Most infrastructural improvements at the terminal would be completed in December 2003. The terminal has 885 metres of contiguous quay length, six quay cranes of super post-panamax capabilities, 18 yard cranes, 270 reefer plug points with 100 per cent backup and an "advanced" IT support system, he said.

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