Kochi: The Cochin Port registered an impressive performance in 2018-19 when it achieved a record high cargo throughput of 32.02 Million Metro Tonnes (MMT).
The port achieved an Operating Profit of Rs 210.87 crore in the last financial year, which is 32.13 per cent higher than that of 2017-18. Also the port achieved highest ever annual cru-ise call, 49, which is better than all the 12 major ports of the country.
“We succeeded in reversing our negative growth and register profit in the last two years. Also the Port made the first installment of Rs 55.85 crore towards repayment to the Centre loan amounting to Rs 558.53 crore,” said Dr M Beena, Chairman.
She was speaking at a function held to celebrate the ‘Cochin Port Day’ at Samudrika Hall, Willingdon Island. The first ship ‘S S Padma’ entered the inner harbor through the deepened Cochin gut on May 26 1928.
A dredger of the Dredging Corporation of India was arranged at the BTP berth for public visit from 10 am to 5 pm on the occasion.
K.S. Srinivas, Chairman, Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) who was the chief guest, stressed on the need to modernise the biggest fishing harbor of Thoppumpaddy.
“We’ll play the role of facilitator by preparing the draft plan and the Detailed Project Report. The Port Trust should take up the project,” he said.
A.V. Ramana, Deputy Chairman of Cochin Port Trust, was among the dignitaries present. Best performing port users and outstanding performers among the employees of the port were facilitated on the occasion.
