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The Cochin Port Trust has augmented its container freight station (CFS) and pre-stage facility on Willingdon Island to support the International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT) operations at Vallarpadam. To control processing time for export containers before shipment through the new ICTT, the port has commenced pre-processing facility (the pre-stage) in its Ernakulam wharf, providing single-window processing for facilitating Customs clearance for containers from the domestic area.
The pre-stage also provides clearance for the containers imported through the ICTT.
The facility is set up in the Q-7 ramp inside Ernakulam wharf and is equipped to accommodate 30 container vehicles at a time. Adequate parking facility is also provided for vehicles awaiting on-wheel examination at the ramp.
24-hour customs clearance procedures
Customs clearance procedures such as seal verification, detailed examination, and other documentation procedure will be carried out 24 hours at the facility. The Cochin Customs is facilitating speedy clearance of containers through the facility by providing adequate personnel. Storage space is provided in the facility for the exim containers awaiting plant quarantine, port health organisation and other statutory clearances.
Around 151 plug points for reefer containers have been provided to cater to the containerised seafood exports requiring storage facility.
Ro-ro terminal
The pre-stage facility is located close to the ro-ro (roll-on, roll-off) terminal at Willingdon Island, which facilitates quick transfer of containers to ICTT.
The port has also enhanced facilities at its existing CFS to meet the increasing volumes following the commissioning of the ICTT. The freight station, having a covered space of 10,000 sq metres, the largest facility in and around Kochi, is located next to the ro-ro terminal. Stuffing and de-stuffing for LCL (less than container load) and FCL (full container load) containers are currently undertaken in two shifts. The CFS with a dedicated Customs formation facilities prompt documentation such as out of charge, let export order etc, assessment/appraising and post documentation such as inspection and delivery are facilitated under one roof. Service of ramp facility for on-wheel stuffing and de-stuffing and lift on/lift off services of containers have been introduced.
The CFS is also equipped with online connectivity with Customs EDI and Port ERP system and generates real time billing and documentation.
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