Shipping companies evince interest in Kollam Port

Kollam: With major shipping companies showing interest in the recently opened Kollam Port, it is  likely that  companies will choose the port as an intermediate base.

With the maiden trip of OEL Victory by the Shreyas Shipping Group of Transworld Group of Companies, carrying containers of tiles, marbles, and other building materials a week ago  from  Vallarpadam in Kochi, the port is expecting  more business opportunities for the cashew capital.

The ship's next consignment is scheduled for November 24. According to sources, the ship will  visit the port once a fortnight.

At present, about four companies have assured their frequent presence at the port. Sooryamukhi, the chartered ship of Kerala State Maritime Development Corporation has sailed to Mudra Port in Gujarat to load tiles and building materials. Great Sea Shipping Company will also berth at the port soon, carrying cashew from Kochi.

“We need to have some more construction including fenders and dredging, as suggested by the Shreyas Shipping Group. The ship may also use the port as an intermediate base. The tug construction is over and will have its trial run on Friday,” said Aswini Prathap, Port Officer.

Meanwhile, the Customs Department's stand on the clearance of international ships  hangs in a balance. The department had earlier demanded '38lakhs from the port authorities  to set up a Customs office at the port,  but the port authorities are seeking a waiver of  payment.