Under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multimodal connectivity, the Cochin Port Trust has lined up projects such as the multi-user liquid terminal and the re-construction of south coal berth. Except for the capital dredging of the jetty basin at a cost of Rs.72.68 crore, which has now been taken up and targeted for completion by August/September this year, the construction of the MULT jetty at Puthuvypeen to handle ships of up to 80,000 DWT and a draught of 13 metres was completed at a cost of around 180 crore.
The commissioning of the MULT jetty, which will largely be used by IOCL to import LPG, would undoubtedly help the general population, as LPG has now become a necessary commodity for everyone. With the commissioning of such a facility in Kerala, the road movement of bulk LPG and the consequential road mishaps can be avoided. This jetty with a capacity of 4.1 mtpa will also be utilised for handling POL products including bunker fuels. This will also open scope to handle other petroleum products.
South Coal Berth, which was built in 1953 and has been used to transport FACT’s ammonia, is being rebuilt at a cost of Rs 19.19 crore, with 50% funding from the Central Government under Sagarmala and 25% funding from FACT and CoPT. This project includes the demolition of the existing jetty and the construction of a new 110m x 12m pier with all associated structures to accommodate vessels up to 35,000 DWT. The Prime Minister lay the foundation stone for this project in February of last year, and it is planned to be completed by April of this year.
