COCHIN: The Cochin Trust (CPT) has signed 27 MoUs, recently, with various organizations aimed at transforming the port into a truly one, increasing its competitiveness and offering more services to its stakeholders.

“What we are doing is to identify the potential of the port and exploit those opportunities to the maximum. For example, our MoUs with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), realized from the fact that one of our strengths is liquid cargo. So, when we initially identify the potential areas, we focus on those areas which have a growth potential and discuss with the stakeholders in those areas, finally reaching the MoU stage,” said CPT Chairperson Ms. M Beena.

According to her, the projects will be completed within a twoyear period. “We are progressing with the target of bringing a visible change and hence we are aspiring to finish the projects by 2024,” Beena added.

Manufacturing industries usually serve as the main source of inward or outward cargo movement for any port, but in Kerala, the story is different. CPT’s hinterland so lacks a healthy manufacturing industry. Further, there is Tuticorin Port which is a competitor as it is equidistant to the Port, for those industries in southern Kerala.

With this background, CPT is coming up with the new projects with an overall project cost of Rs 3,108 crore. The port is providing the land and the entities concerned are investing there to set up the necessary infrastructure.

For development of the port, four MoUs with a total project cost of Rs 989 crore were signed. Establishment of a multispecialty hospital at a cost of Rs 175 core, connecting Cochin Port with minor ports in the state and establishing a multi-modal logistics hub, seaplane connectivity between Kochi and Lakshadweep, deepening and broadening of channels, building a cryogenic warehouse, cement importcum-bagging terminal, aviation fuel terminal, port-based edible oil refining unit at Muvattupuzha, petrochemical terminal, coir product consolidation centre are some of the projects CPT is pursuing now.

A container freight station for coastal cargo — for destuffing of containers, storage and warehousing is also part of the new projects.

Cochin Port has signed a MoU with Kottayam Port and ICD Services for offering inland container depot services for exim (export-import) as well as coastal cargo, linked through national waterway. Also, BPCL will develop HSD export facility at MULT (multi-user liquid terminal) at Puthuvype, as part of the various projects envisioned by the Cochin Port.