The Hindu Business Line : Kochi port seeks Ministry nod for awarding contract

THE Kochi port has sought sanction from the Union Shipping Ministry for awarding this year's maintenance dredging contract in the channel following the expiry of the term of the board of trustees.

According to sources, the port had earlier referred the matter to the Ministry in the first week of April soon after the opening of tenders in this regard. However, the Ministry had not taken any favourable decision presumably due to the ongoing general elections. As the time to commence the work is fast approaching, the port has once again decided to approach the Ministry for getting the necessary nod.

It is understood that the Kandla-based Jaisu Shipping Co Pvt Ltd has emerged as the lowest bidder in the tender floated by the port for maintenance dredging. The company had quoted Rs 27 crore to carry out the work for a one-year period. The payment will be based on the depth maintained in the channel during the period. Earlier, it was based on the volumes of silt removed.

Of the five tenders received for this year's dredging work, only three firms had submitted the price bids including the public sector Dredging Corporation of India which had carried out the work last year.

The delay in getting the necessary nod is worrying the port users, as they fear that the siltation in the channel is likely to increase in view of pre-monsoon showers now witnessed in the State.

However, the port officials maintained that at present there had been any problem in providing the necessary draught to vessels. The port would be able to maintain a draught of 38 feet at Cochin Oil Terminal and 33 feet at Ernalulam Wharf. If the rain continues, there would be a sudden siltation affecting the movement of ships particularly oil tankers bringing crude to Kochi Refineries Ltd. The port had to provide the required draught for the oil tankers, as KRL is the major contributor to the port's revenue, the officials said.

Moreover, the bidder had to given a one-month notice for the commencement of the dredging work in the channel to enable them bring their dredger for the work, they said.