The international container transshipment terminal (ICTT), Vallarpadam, has registered a record growth in July, first time after the terminal was commissioned in February, 2011. In July 37,363 TEU containers were handled, bettering the figure of 36,487 TEU in June, 2011.
The month also witnessed the highest number of calls by vessels with 47 berthing. “The re-start of transshipments and the diversion of major volume from the hinterland have been the major factors which contributed to this achievement. The Customs Department had earlier simplified the procedure for transshipment at the ICTT. The clearance of inland container depot containers by rail and road were made hassle-free,” the Port Trust authorities said in a press release.
The timing of the procedural change has been a blessing for the ICTT as it is coincided with the raw cashew import season from Africa. This has made it possible for the ICTT to handle mainline vessels such as PIL, CMA CGM, ZIM and Maersk from Africa and re-start transshipment to Thoothukudi and Mangalore.
“It was a busy month for the personnel at the facilitation centre at Walayar, jointly operated by the DP World, Cochin, and the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry with more than 1000 trucks being handled there during July. I
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