KOCHI: Cochin Port Trust’s (CPT) dream of generating greater income by handling bulk cargo is under a cloud with the low rate of clearing of imported cargo at the port. Consequent to the shifting of the container terminal operations from the Willingdon Island to Vallarpadam, the port is focusing on developing Ernakulam Wharf into a major bulk cargo consolidation centre of South India. The deep draft berths and the large backup area, at Ernakulam Wharf, for handling is capable of handling various types of bulk/break bulk cargo.However, what became a setback for the port now, is the issue of a low rate of clearance of imported fertilizers from CPT. It has created an adverse impact on the agricultural sector, especially, at a time when the prices of fertilisers are skyrocketing.Thousands of tonnes of urea and potash imported by the Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT) and the Indian Potash Limited (IPL) are piling up in the godowns of the CPT in want of labourers to clear them.Compartmentalisation of labour into various water-tight pools within the Welfare Board, where over 2500 workers are registered, is the cause of the shortage. Despite the lack of work for them in other pools, they could not be spared by the board, resulting in shortage amidst plenty.The Welfare Board was able to supply only around 40 workers on an average against the demand of 120.Following the piling up of cargo, the Port Trust chairman had convened a meeting in which leaders of trade unions expressed their willingness to clear the cargo by utilising labourers from other pools. However, the rate of cargo cleared from the godown (less than 800 tonnes per day) remains same. “There is a general feeling among the importers that the import through Cochin Port is not only expensive but time-consuming too. This type of militant trade unionism cannot be found in any other port in India. It won’t be surprising if they begin importing via Tuticorin,” said a senior official of the Cochin Port.The FACT is importing urea via CPT only because they are obliged to use the Cochin Port.“What we need is a coordination of various stake holders. There has been a slight increase in calls by bulk carriers to Kochi. We need to facilitate more vessels and cargo unloaded and kept in the godown has to be cleared at the proper time,” said PK Nambiar, assistant general manager of Aspinwal and Company Limited, one of the leading shipping agents.
Comments
0 comment