International Container Transshipment Terminal, Kochi

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.[1][2] It is part of the Cochin Port in Kochi, Ernakulam district, Kerala.

International Container Transshipment Terminal
Container terminal, Kochi
Cranes at the Vallarpadam Terminal
Other names(s)Vallarpadam Terminal
General information
LocationIndia Vallarpadam, Kochi, Kerala
StatusIn operation
Coordinates09°58′54″N 76°15′09″E
Built byDP World
Opened11 February 2011
Technical details
Cost₹ 3200 crore
No of Super-Post Panamax Crane4
No of Rubber Tyred Gantry Crane15
Maximum Draft14.5 m
Quay Length600 m
Terminal Area40 ha
Depth Alongside16 m
Container Yard2500 TEU ground slots
Capacity1 Million TEU's
Rail Tracks2
WebsiteDP World Cochin

Being constructed in three stages, the first phase of the terminal was commissioned on 11 Feb 2011.[3] This can handle cargo up to one million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) per annum.[3] 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.[3] 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.[4]

History

Container Transshipment Terminal, Kochi first came to the mind of Dr. Babu Paul IAS, He proposed this project to K Karunakaran but the central government was not interested in this project. 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. 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.

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 TEUs
  • In the second phase the capacity will be enhanced to 3 million TEUs.
  • In the third phase the terminal may handle even up to 5.5 million TEUs.

The total cost of the project is estimated at ₹ 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,[5] 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.

A panoramic view of Vallarpadam terminal from the top of Vallarpadam Church

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)
  • 6 December 2020: Arrival of MV. Maersk Edinburgh (largest vessel handled at ICTT)

See also

References
  1. "DP World Kochi poised to grow its capacity". Gulf News. 8 February 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
  2. "Tenders for consultants for Colachel port by March". India Today. 17 February 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
  3. "PM inaugurates container terminal in Kerala". The New Indian Express. PTI. 11 February 2011. Retrieved 24 May 2013.
  4. "PM to open Vallarpadam terminal on Feb 11". The New Indian Express. PTI. 6 February 2011. Retrieved 24 May 2013.
  5. "DP World awards Vallarpadam terminal civil works to Simplex". The Economic Times. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
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