The Kochi International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), locally known as the Vallarpadam Terminal, is the first transshipment terminal in India and the first container terminal to operate in a SEZ. It is part of the Cochin Port in Kochi, Kerala, India.
Being constructed in three stages, the first phase of the terminal was commissioned on 11 Feb 2011. This can handle cargo up to one million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) per annum. On completion of the third phase, the terminal will be able to handle 5.5 million Twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of cargo per annum. The terminal is operated by the Dubai Ports World (DPW), which will operate it for 30-years after which the control will come back to the Cochin Port Trust.
Video International Container Transshipment Terminal, Kochi
History
On 16 February 2005, Dubai Ports World announced that it has signed an agreement with the Cochin Port Trust (CoPT) to construct, develop and operate an International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) - An India Gateway Terminal - at Vallarpadam.
The project was, formally, launched with the laying of the foundation stone by Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Jacob Thomas, Chairman, Cochin Port Trust and Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DP World. The proceedings were overseen by the Governor of Kerala, Mr. R.L. Bhatia, the Minister of Shipping, Government of India, T.R. Baalu, and the Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr.Oommen Chandy.
Approval for the agreement was given by the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs of the Government of India, Ministry of Finance and meanwhile, the DP World will manage and subsequently transfer its operations at the Rajiv Gandhi Container Terminal in Cochin Port to the new terminal upon its completion. The DP World has been granted a 38-year concession for the exclusive operation and management of the site.
Maps International Container Transshipment Terminal, Kochi
Overview
Vallarpadam Terminal is the first in the country to operate in a special economic zone.
- In the first phase there will be 600 m Quay length and a draft of more than 15 m, when the terminal may handle 1 million TEU container annually by the end of 2012.
- In the second phase the capacity will be enhanced to 3 million TEUs by the end of 2014.
- In the third phase the terminal may handle even up to 5.5 million TEUs.
The total cost of the project is estimated at INR 3200 crore.
DP World has estimated that the total initial investment required will be approximately US$20 million which includes the immediate provision of four RTGs and two Mobile Harbour Cranes to the Terminal -to improve yard handling, truck turnaround time and quayside operations.
Strategically, located on the main east-west global shipping lines and offering draft of about 16 m, Cochin is destined to develop as the premier gateway to southern India, as also offering an alternative to Sri Lanka and Singapore for containers being transshipped for the Indian market.
Location
The terminal is located in the Vallarpadam island in Kochi.
Opening
On 11 February 2011 the terminal was inaugurated by Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India. The ceremony was attended by A. K. Antony, G. K. Vasan, K.C. Venugopal, R. S. Gavai, V. S. Achuthanandan, K. V. Thomas, Vayalar Ravi, C P Joshi, Mullapaly Ramachandran, and N Ramachandran.
Timeline
- 1 February 2005: Commenced Construction for Phase 1
- 16 February 2005: Concession Agreement Signed
- 9 February 2011: First Train arrived at ICTT
- 11 February 2011: Dr.Manmohan Singh Prime Minister Of India Dedicated ICTT to the nation
- 12 February 2011: First Containers Arrived at ICTT
- 18 February 2011: First Vessel Arrived at ICTT ( OEL Dubai)
- 21 July 2011: MV. Maersk Sembwang (largest vessel handled at ICTT) arrived
See also
- Vembanad Bridge
- National Highway 47C (India)
- Inland port
- Kochi LNG Terminal
References
- Prime Minister inaugurates Rs 3,200 cr ICTT at Cochin Port
- PM to open container terminal in Kerala
- Vallarpadam terminal: DP World submits plan to Kochi port
- Ineptness delays Vallarpadam container terminal
- Kochi Port can opt to operate box terminal -Trade Union
- 6 new generation cranes arrive at Vallarpadam
- Radioactive detectors to be installed at ports
- Mammoth cranes for Vallarpadam arrive
Source of article : Wikipedia
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