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V. Sajeev Kumar

Gotwald Cranes at the container terminal of Kochi Port that are hindering the Navy's smooth flying operations. — K. K. Mustafah

HOW FAR has the lowering of harbour mobile cranes at the container terminal of the Kochi Port Trust to all for an unhindered flying path for naval aircraft in the vicinity affected the productivity of the terminal?

This question has been exercising the vessel operators and the shipping trade, on the one hand, and the Southern Naval Command, on the other.

The steamer agents think that lowering of these cranes when ships were anchored in the gantry berth was partially affecting loading and unloading operations of containers.

This, according to the steamer agents, has resulted in a decline of productivity at the terminal to some extent.

According to them, the Navy raised objections on the height of two Gottwald Cranes installed by the terminal operator Indian Gateway Terminal Pvt Ltd (IGTPL) on the ground that the cranes were in the flying funnel area of the training base of INS Garuda, located near the container terminal. The cranes, with 100-tonne capacity each and 50 metres out-reach, were set up for smooth container handling operations.

The steamer agents pointed out that the booms of these cranes are unfolded for 10-15 hours a week, causing hardships to shippers in the clearance of cargo.

The Navy, they said, had also raised some objections to the stacking of containers too high in the wharf area adjacent to the airport compound wall.

It is pointed out that the productivity of the terminal has come down; there are 60-65 moves per shift against 20-25 moves per hour at Tuticorin. The decline in productivity has resulted in enhanced turnaround time of vessels and thereby delaying their sailing from the port.

The lowering of cranes during peak hour terminal operations is cited by the steamer agents as one of the reasons for this low performance in the gantry.

A top port official told Business Line that INS Garuda is raising "unnecessary objections" against the cranes citing height restrictions. He pointed out that the Airport Authority of India had earlier used this area as a commercial airport before the Cochin International Airport was commissioned at Nedumbassery. Now the Navy is using the airport as a training base for its pilots, flying Dornier aircraft and helicopters.

Moreover, he said there are two runways in the airport and that the Navy could use the one in the direction of the Mattanchery Wharf area where there are hardly any terminal equipment.

The height restriction in the nearby structures comes into effect only when a Boeing aircraft with a VIP lands at the Naval airport, he said. At that time, the boom of these cranes could be lowered to ensure smooth landing of aircraft.

Suggesting that the Navy work out a mutually acceptable plan with the terminal operator, the official pointed out that Indian Navy operates air training bases at other centres such as Mumbai, Goa and Karwar. But all these areas are away from ports.

This can be followed in Kochi also considering the developmental activities of the port in future. "A seaport can function only in the waterfront. But an airport can operate from anywhere," he added.

Rather than making it an issue, IGTPL officials maintain that they had had an open dialogue with the Navy on the operation of the mobile cranes.

A senior IGTPL official said that that they had initiated discussions with the Naval authorities, who are extremely positive in their approach to overcoming the crisis. What was needed a time-share arrangement on a permanent basis without affecting the operations of either party.

Senior Navy officials said that they are in touch with the Port Trust and the terminal operator to meet the commitments of both the organisations on the issue. They hoped that the issue would be resolved soon for the benefit of all the parties.

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