International Container Transhipment Terminal, Vallarpadam has registered a 19 per cent growth in volume for the 10-month period between April and January over the corresponding period of FY15-16.
This is the highest growth rate achieved much ahead of closing of the current financial year. Last year, the terminal had achieved 14.5 per cent growth over the previous fiscal year. The terminal clocked an average gross crane rate (GCR) of 32 moves per hour in 2017, which is in line with international standards. The truck turnaround time of 26 minutes, gate-to-gate, displays the terminal’s operational efficiency. All services, particularly those connecting the Far East, West Asia and Europe, have been doing exceptionally well.
The company has initiated steps to introduce a new dedicated rail service, scheduled to start in March, which will increase the connectivity between Karnataka and Kochi terminal. This service will allow Karnataka’s exporters and importers to connect on direct services and it aims to improve the transit time and direct loading.
Attributing the growth to aggressive marketing efforts in the hinterland, Jibu Kurien, Itty, CEO, DP World, Kochi, said that the efforts made by the company in association with the port trust to address the issues faced by the trade at the border check post have culminated in setting up a green channel facility at Walayar.
This has ensured reduction of the time taken by sealed containerised cargo to cross the border, and is an indication of the flexibility and ease of doing business experienced by customers. ICTT, Vallarpadam has been handling an average of 40,000 TEUs per month consistently over the past six months, thereby proving itself to be the container terminal of choice in the region, and providing customers with world-class facilities and service, he added.
