Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation has launched the Amrutha Oil barge to transport furnace oil from Kochi to Kerala Minerals and Metals in Kollam, in order to improve cargo transportation through waterways. The 300-tonne capacity barge will be put into action soon.
Service on this line will begin after the Thrikkunnapuzha shutter is completed, according to KSINC MD Prasanth Nair. He noted that the government’s project to modernise the inland waterways is making significant progress, which is a benefit for KSINC. The demand for the 36.40-metre-long, 8.75-metre-wide and 2.35-metre tall Amrutha has grown significantly in various sectors. Amrutha has already started to offer its service to Indian Oil Corporation and private companies. This initiative is in line with the government’s policy of transporting hazardous materials via waterways, avoiding roads. KSINC had spent `4.5 crore for the construction of the vessel in its yard. The vessel is IRS certified and licensed by Cochin Port Trust. Apart from furnace oil, the barge is licensed to transport petroleum products and is capable of refuelling large ships mid-sea.
