The Hindu Business Line : Kochi Port sets records in cargo productivity

THE Kochi Port achieved higher levels of productivity on the bulk and break bulk cargo handling front during the second fortnight of August. It achieved operational levels of 9,527 tonnes of steel plates and scrap iron carried by the vessels Start Fuji and MV Brothers respectively.

On Star Fuji, productivity levels of 1,738 tonnes in a shift and 3,835 tonnes in a day were achieved, thus setting new records. On an average, a discharge rate of 1,903 tonnes per day was achieved, which is an all-time record.

MV Brothers discharged 1,868 tonnes of scrap iron per shift and 4,860 tonnes in a day that are new records in productivity. A total of 26,083 tonnes of scrap iron was discharged in seven days, achieving a record average of 3,726 tonnes per day.

According to a press release, the port has been striving to provide better service to its customers and is constantly improving its systems for enhancing customer satisfaction. Due to the concerted efforts of the port management and port users, the port has been able to handle an all-time record quantum of cargo of 135.72 lakh tonnes in 2003-04, which includes a record 1.70 lakh TEUsof container cargo. Volumes touched a new high during the last week of August.

During April-August this year, the port handled 58.80 lakh tonnes achieving a growth of over six lakh tonnes or 11 per cent compared to the corresponding period during 2003-04.