KOCHI: The Cochin Port has achieved an all time high cargo throughput of 17.43 million tonnes in the year 2009-10. This record throughput is almost 2 million tonnes more than the throughput of 15.49 million tonnes in 2008-09 and has registered a growth rate of 12.5%, which is unprecedented.

Though the port's traditional cargo like coal, fertilizers, industrial salt etc. have recorded a fall of about 10%, the deficit was more than compensated by higher volumes in liquid bulk, especially petroleum products, and also in general cargo like cement, iron scrap and timber logs. There is an increase of about 11% in container traffic. A total of 2,89,817 TEUs containers were handled during the year, as against the 2,60,784 TEUs handled during the year 2008-09.

The vessel traffic registered an increase of 18% in 2009-10 while the average turnaround time of ships showed an improvement of 3%. The average ship berth day output also registered an improvement of 2%.

The increase in cargo throughput has brought in additional revenue to the tune of about Rs.6 crore to the port in terms of wharfage alone. Additional revenue through storage charges and vessel related charges through increased vessel traffic has also accrued to the port on account of the higher throughput.

The port has targeted 19.11 million tonnes of cargo for the year 2010-11.

Courtesy:hindu.com