The shipping community in Kochi is keeping its fingers crossed over the recent hike in tariff at Kochi port, which has pushed prices beyond those at ports in the neighbourhood as well as other major ports in the country, reported The Hindu.
Sources in the shipping circles here pointed out that the Kochi port is charging US$9,994 to handle a vessel of 5,000 GRT for a five-day stay in the port whereas the rates at Tuticorin, Mangalore and Kandla are $3,511, $3,675 and $4,950, respectively.
The hike in tariffs, which included port dues, pilotage and berth hire, had also resulted in low arrivals of cargo other than containers at the port in the last few months.
According to sources, traditional cargo of fertilisers is also being drawn to Tuticorin port due to cost factors, including port and labour charges. Several public sector companies in the State are understood to have shifted a major portion of movement of raw materials to Tuticorin, from where it is bagged and brought back to Kochi by rail.
Besides, the cost of crane is also included in the berth hire in all ports, unlike at Kochi. Moreover, Kochi port has also decided to withdraw from service all shore cranes at Mattanchery and Ernakulam wharves following the directive issued by the Inspectorate Dock Safety due to poor maintenance of machines.
The port had asked the shipping operators to make alternate arrangements for cargo handling operations. This is also affecting the productivity of the port, the sources said.
Sources in the shipping circles here pointed out that the Kochi port is charging US$9,994 to handle a vessel of 5,000 GRT for a five-day stay in the port whereas the rates at Tuticorin, Mangalore and Kandla are $3,511, $3,675 and $4,950, respectively.
The hike in tariffs, which included port dues, pilotage and berth hire, had also resulted in low arrivals of cargo other than containers at the port in the last few months.
According to sources, traditional cargo of fertilisers is also being drawn to Tuticorin port due to cost factors, including port and labour charges. Several public sector companies in the State are understood to have shifted a major portion of movement of raw materials to Tuticorin, from where it is bagged and brought back to Kochi by rail.
Besides, the cost of crane is also included in the berth hire in all ports, unlike at Kochi. Moreover, Kochi port has also decided to withdraw from service all shore cranes at Mattanchery and Ernakulam wharves following the directive issued by the Inspectorate Dock Safety due to poor maintenance of machines.
The port had asked the shipping operators to make alternate arrangements for cargo handling operations. This is also affecting the productivity of the port, the sources said.