The Hindu Business Line : Space shortage: Kochi firm converts containers into makeshift offices

Kochi, Nov. 24 Containers are finding a different use at the Kochi port from its normal use as cargo boxes. Shortage of office space seems to have forced the organisers of the Volvo Ocean Race to convert the boxes into makeshift offices.

The Kochi-based Integrated Lifters has started creating temporary office structures for the Volvo Ocean Race participants at a time when the port has geared up for a smooth sailing of India Stopover of the race through the port next month. Mr P.K. Ravindran, Chief Engineer of Integrated Lifters, which bagged the contract for setting up temporary office structures, said that the container-based solutions for temporary makeshifts would have the advantages of the security and solidity of permanent structures as well as portability, which temporary structures can only provide.

Altogether 10 such temporary office structures (8 for port and 2 for Volvo participants) will be provided by the company with 8 ft width and 20 ft length for office space requirements for the race participants.

The amenities provided in these modules include illumination, ventilation, air conditioning and communication terminals, which can put the volume space in a very comfortable environment helping in quelling aggravations amplified due to the heat and dust of the project sites generally.

The basic concept of these modules, he said, are standardised conversion of container using steel lining members, insulating using mineral fibre insulation material and internal lining with a non conductive hard finish surface.

Doors, windows, air conditioning equipment etc are built onto these modules according to utility requirement.

The electrical, power, water and sanitary piping etc can be connected and disconnected to the lines quickly and easily.

With suitable modification, these units can also house common facilities such as power generators, ablution houses, tool room, pantry and resources dispensers, he said.

He pointed out that container based on-site modules provide the right solution for all project requirements at the right price with assured cost savings, quicker deployment at site, better employee retention and satisfaction, re-usability, quick transfer and deployment from site to site, advantage of being both a permanent and temporary structure, saving of space by best utilisation etc.

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