With one more cement terminal set to commence operations in November on the port premises here and two more in the pipeline, Kochi is set to emerge as a major cement hub in South India.
Cochin Port Trust sources said that the number of cement terminals at the port would go up to three with Zuari Cement terminal set to commence operations in November. This is in addition to the Ultratech and Ambuja cement terminals in operation now.
Penna Cement has begun construction works and decks have been cleared for the Kerala State-owned Malabar Cements to begin work on its proposed terminal.
All of the terminal, excluding one, would be capable of raising their throughput to one million tonnes over the years, Port Trust sources said.
Malabar Cements has elaborate plans for its terminal, which will also use the facility for clinker imports.
These terminals will not only increase income for the financially-troubled Cochin Port Trust but also generate substantial employment involving evacuation of the cargo out of Kochi to various parts of the State.
For every lakh tonne of cement imported, the Port Trust will earn up to Rs. 1.5 crore per year in both vessel and cargo related charges.
Besides, port sources said, transport requirement for the cargo would be substantial. At roughly about 10 tonnes per lorry, evacuation of three lakh tonnes per year will require 30,000 lorry trips.
Figures show that cement throughput at the Kochi port has grown substantially between 2010-11 and 2014-15. Cement throughput was 2,59,000 tonnes during 2010-11. It has gone up to 7,03,000 tonnes during the last financial year. Cement throughput almost doubled from 3,11,000 tonnes during 2012-13 to 6,04,000 tonnes during 2013-14. But the figures show a slight dip between 2011-12 and 2012-13.
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