The Hindu Business Line : Desalination plant at Kochi port proposed

Plant benefits
Kochi port needs desalination plant as it is on the threshold of various developmental projects.
The proposal will enable the port to provide adequate fresh water to vessels calling at the port
It will benefit people living in the residential quarters in the port area

Kochi , May 12

Considering the acute shortage of fresh water faced by the port, the Cochin Port Staff Association has suggested setting up a desalination plant in the port area for the future needs of the shipping sector.

Setting up such a plant in Willingdon Island will enable the port to provide adequate fresh water to vessels calling at the port as well as for the people living in the residential quarters in the port area. Mr P.M. Mohammed Haneef, Working President of the Cochin Port Staff Association, said establishment of a desalination plant was absolutely essential for the port as it was on the threshold of various developmental projects such as LNG Terminal, Container Transhipment Terminal and Bunkering Terminal.

Kochi port, which used to have fresh water in abundance in the past, is now

facing acute water shortage, particularly due to water scarcity experienced in the city. There was a time when ships called at Kochi port only to collect fresh water, he recalled.

Shipping cos concerned

Various shipping companies have raised complaints to the port authorities in this regard. It is pointed out that ships too are facing difficulty in collecting water for onward voyage from the port. Most shipping companies are making arrangements for water supply through tanker lorries to meet their requirements.The association has taken up the issue by writing a letter to the port management to sort out the problem on a war footing. Mr Thomas Sebastian, Deputy General Secretary of the Association, said several departments in the port, including wharves, were reeling under acute water shortage, which was likely to affect smooth port operations.

Supply through bore wells

When contacted, senior port officials said the port was making all arrangements for the supply of water through bore wells and had also requested the State Government to ensure uninterrupted water supply for basic needs in Willingdon Island. On the suggestion of setting up a desalination plant, the officials pointed out that it would require huge investments.

However, such plants could be considered if the mega projects of the port materialised, they added.