The Hindu Business Line : Congestion at Kochi port hits seafood exports

EXPORTS of seafood from Kerala have come to a near standstill as the heavy congestion of containers at the Kochi port has affected cargo movement, stockpiling marine products worth crores of rupees.

Seafood exporters are worried that any further delay in clearing the cargo would have serious repercussions on the prospects of seafood exports, especially since these consignments are meant for the peak shopping season of Christmas.

Normally it takes about a month of voyage for the shipments to reach their destinations abroad. From November, sales activities for the Christmas time will begin and it is crucial that the orders are executed in time.

"This kind of delay will result in loss of our reputation and credibility. This damage is more serious and far-reaching than monetary loss," says Mr Sandu Joseph, Secretary, Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI).

According to SEAI, it is estimated that 300-400 containers, carrying products worth at least Rs 100 crore are now stuck at the port and outside at the premises of seafood processing units. Each container carries 20 tonnes of seafood.

To make matters worse for the industry, the delay is taking place at a time when things are looking up for the seafood industry. "After a long time, we are experiencing the beginning of a fine season. The catch is good and we are getting orders. But now, we don't know what to do," said Mr Joseph.

The Cochin Port Trust admitted in a statement on Thursday that there had been `heavy congestion' at the port due to large inflow of import containers and breakdown of equipment. It said 140 reefer containers are lying at the port against the availability of 111 plug points.

The Kochi port accounted for 18.39 per cent of marine product exports in 2003-04 in terms of quantity, occupying the third slot after JNPT Mumbai and Pipavav ports.

Mr Anwar Hashim, Managing Director of Abad Fisheries and President of SEAI Kerala Region, said unless the cargo is cleared and cold storages are freed, processing units would not be able to take up any more work.

"Today every unit has 2-3 containers plugged in. All are stuck and it will take a lot of time to untangle (the pile up)," Mr Hashim said, adding that livelihood of tens of thousands of employees at processing units and fishermen are now at stake due to the delay.

"I have had to cut the production for tomorrow because of this issue," said Mr George Joseph of Star Fish Exports. "This situation has landed us in big trouble as we are unable to deliver the orders."

If the exporters were to divert the shipments to the nearby Tuticorin port, they will have to fork out Rs 27,000 per container in additional transportation charges, SEAI's Mr Joseph said.

The SEAI alleged that although seafood is the second largest item to be handled by the Kochi port after petroleum products, it does little to improve facilities for marine exporters.

More Stories on : Aquaculture | Exports & Imports | Shipping

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Global wheat production forecast at 615 m tonnes

Good monsoon week in Kerala

Congestion at Kochi port hits seafood exports

Mixed trend in rubber market

ISEC to go ahead with export of preferential quota to EU

Tea buyers' plea for lowest tax bracket under VAT regime

Oilseed exports up sharply

BoI to launch card for tenant farmers