The Cochin Steamer Agents Association has asked the Kochi port management to re-look its land renewal policy, so that shipping lines and container yard operators can continue to remain in the port area.

Lease agreement

Mr Santosh Kumar, President of the Association, expressed concern over the policy of the port management not be revalidate or consider for extension the lease agreements expiring in 2012. Owing to this stand, many of the shipping lines that wanted to build their own offices at Willingdon Island are reviewing the decision and may move away from the Island, , he said, while delivering the presidential address at the annual general meeting of the Association.

With the shifting of RGCT operations to ICTT Vallarpadam, the port will have three more berths that need to be fully utilised. With the port's plan to have full-fledged CFS (container freight station) at Willingdon Island, the existing infrastructure for empty container storage at present rates will help attract more cargo to the CFS. The empty container storage facility at the Island will also help in promoting the ro-ro operations, Mr Kumar said. Meanwhile, the open house, convened by the Cochin Special Economic Zone with the Exim trade on issues pertaining to the transhipment of cargo through ICTT, voiced concern over the delay in clearing documents and higher costs involved in the terminal.

Mr Paul Antony, Chairman, Cochin Port Trust, Mr K.K. Krishnadas, CEO, of DP World Kochi, Mr C.J. Mathew, Development Commissioner, Cochin SEZ, and Ms Rema Mathew, Commissioner of Customs, Kochi, were among the officials who participated in the programme.

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