In a major milestone, DP World’s Vallarpadam terminal today received its first transhipment mainline service, becoming India’s first and only transhipment hub.
This follows the Indian government waiving cabotage regulations for the terminal, which until now have prevented mainline services transhipping at Vallarpadam, instead making lines transfer to local carriers.
The International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT), also known as DP World Cochin, will be part of the new port rotation of the Asia-India Sub Continent East Med (AME) service connecting China to the Mediterranean via the Indian subcontinent, with Cochin being the first port of call in India from China.
ICTT has also increased its draft to 14 metres to further expand its capacity to handle large mainline vessels.
Anil Singh, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World, Subcontinent , said:
“Today is a landmark day for us and one that we, together with the Cochin Port Trust, have worked hard to arrive at since work began on the terminal back in 2005. We are extremely pleased to see ICTT develop into India’s transhipment gateway and we thank the Government of India for taking a pragmatic stand on the relaxation of cabotage for ICTT. It has given the right impetus to putting Cochin port on the global transhipment map.”
K.K. Krishnadas, CEO, DP World Cochin said:
“This service will provide a huge boost to the import and export market in South India. DP World Cochin has many advantages, including its location, its modern, quality marine infrastructure, and its connectivity by rail, road and sea. The service will be beneficial for the exporters and importers from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and other parts of the country. At ICTT we strive continuously to bring more such services for the benefit of the trade.”
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Press Release, March 26, 2013