THE kerala Maritime Board (KMB) is actively courting investment for port infrastructure for the east coast’s southern-most state’s 17 minor and intermediate ports, reports Chennai’s Hindu daily.
The state has the scope for developing coastal shipping as an alternative to divert goods traffic from congested roads. NS Pillai, who took over as chairman of the KMB, said the board will be taking a slew of measures to develop coastal shipping.
‘Crew exchange will soon be a reality in the Kollam port as the work on setting up six immigration check points (ICP) is expected to be completed in two weeks,’ said KMB chairman NS Pillai.
‘Once the furnishing works are completed, the board will request the customs to deploy the staff required for facilitating immigration activities,’ he said.
Kerala Exporters Forum secretary Munshid Ali said the lack of planned dredging has resulted in forced idle time of ships at the port. Ships can make only a one-round voyage to Beypore from Kochi in a week and they idle for about 112 hours in a week, said Mr Ali.
‘This can be addressed by taking up complete dredging in a time-bound manner. This will enable ships, especially mainline vessels, to make more voyages, he said.
