Beypore port awaits maiden container ship docking

Kozhikode: For the first time in the history of Beypore port, a container ship is all set to anchor here. If everything moves according to plan, a small container ship containing tiles from Gujarat will reach the port in early October. Discussions with all stakeholders are in the final stage and the tender for the same has been floated. Authorities are making all efforts to ensure the arrival of containers continuously for at least six months.

“Discussions with tile dealers, traders and the Mumbai shipping company is in the final stage,” revealed Beypore port officer Captain Ashwin Prathap. K. Talks with representatives of the Malabar Chamber of Commerce and Calicut Chamber of Commerce were already held and they have been positive. “Currently tiles to the districts of Malabar, mainly to Kozhikode and Malappuram are coming through Kochi port. We are tapping this. If the tiles come to Beypore, it will be a win-win situation for both dealers and the port,” added Mr Ashwin Prathap.

Authorities hope to get 200 containers per month, through two trips. A container will weigh between 25-28 tonne. No container ship has reached Beypore port, except an empty container that came on a trial basis two years ago.

Beypore port is one of the oldest ports in Kerala from where trading was done to the Middle East through sailing vessels. It is also famous for building wooden ships, called Dhows, usually bought by Arab merchants for trading, fishing and now used as tourist ships.