Direct container cargo launched from Kochi to W Africa and Far East, will slash transit time

By Express News Service
KOCHI: The International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Kochi operated by international logistics firm DP World has added a brand new weekly Far East – West Africa – India Express service operated by Maersk Line. The new service with a fixed-weekly crusing will deploy 13 vessels of 4,500 to five,500 twenty-foot equal unit (TEU) container capability.

The new service affords direct connectivity from West Africa to Kochi and to Far East Ports from Kochi. The service began with the maiden name by vessel M V Kmarin Azur on May 7, 2021. Inclusion of this service will enhance cashew, uncooked cotton and timber commerce from Kerala and Tamil Nadu. With this new service prospects can join their cargo straight from Kochi to international markets as an alternative oftranshipping at Colombo Port. This will cut back the transit time by 7-10 days.

The terminal has registered a exceptional 48 p.c year-to-date quantity progress, surpassing general South India progress of 23 per cent throughout the identical interval. This has helped Kochi Port enhance its rating to quantity two amongst South Indian Terminals. The terminal achieved the expansion by enhancing direct vessel connections and strengthening rail connectivity to hinterland markets. The ICTT caters to a lot of prospects at Coimbatore, Tirupur, Salem, Erode and Mysore. The terminal has witnessed 38 per cent Year-to-date progress in cargo coming from these states. The terminal has recorded excessive effectivity and productiveness with a median gross crane charge (GCR) of greater than 30 strikes per hour, which is at par with international requirements.

“Our emphasis continues on improving direct connectivity and providing reliable, faster and cost-effective service to our customers. The new service will immensely boost cashew, raw cotton and timber trade from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and nearby regions by providing direct connectivity to key global markets,” stated D P World Kochi CEO Praveen Joseph.