Kochi port in South India tries out moving containers in barges
TRIALS have begun of a new barge service that will transport containers from the Kochi International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT), also known as the Vallarpadam Terminal, to the Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Kottayam Port and Container Terminal (KPACT).
Six empty containers were transported by the barge during the first trial run, and thereafter fully loaded containers will be used. The barge can carry a maximum of ten containers via the Thanneermukkom bund, reported The Times of India.
The trial runs are intended to ensure the smooth passage of the barge through the waterway, along which some areas near the port have already been identified for dredging. Once the waterway is fit to accommodate the barge, the port will need be to equipped with a 50-tonne capacity gantry crane to load and unload the barge.
Currently, the KPACT has authorised customs clearance and serves as an import and export hub in Kottayam. The import/export clearance facility at the ICD has been there since 2012. However, the containers were transported by road instead of via the waterway. Until now the port has handled 4,233 TEU, with a monthly throughput of 300 TEU. Once the barge service begins operations the port is expected to handle 400-450 containers per month.
TRIALS have begun of a new barge service that will transport containers from the Kochi International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT), also known as the Vallarpadam Terminal, to the Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Kottayam Port and Container Terminal (KPACT).
Six empty containers were transported by the barge during the first trial run, and thereafter fully loaded containers will be used. The barge can carry a maximum of ten containers via the Thanneermukkom bund, reported The Times of India.
The trial runs are intended to ensure the smooth passage of the barge through the waterway, along which some areas near the port have already been identified for dredging. Once the waterway is fit to accommodate the barge, the port will need be to equipped with a 50-tonne capacity gantry crane to load and unload the barge.
Currently, the KPACT has authorised customs clearance and serves as an import and export hub in Kottayam. The import/export clearance facility at the ICD has been there since 2012. However, the containers were transported by road instead of via the waterway. Until now the port has handled 4,233 TEU, with a monthly throughput of 300 TEU. Once the barge service begins operations the port is expected to handle 400-450 containers per month.