The Hindu Business Line : Drop Manakkodam SBM plan, TUs tell CM

THE representatives of Cochin Thuramugha Samrakshana Samithi, a joint forum of port trade unions, have met the Chief Minister, Mr A.K. Antony, and requested him to cancel the notification declaring Manakkodam area as a minor port, with a view to ensuring the existence of the Cochin Port, which plays a vital role in the economy of Kerala.

The Samithi leaders told Mr Antony that the proposal of Kochi Refineries Ltd to install a single buoy mooring (SBM) at the newly notified minor port area of Manakkodam near Cherthalai would adversely affect the Cochin port, as the major share of the revenue income of the port was from petroleum products handling for KRL.

The port has already spent more than Rs 200 crore towards providing modern infrastructure facilities to handle petroleum products, and maintains three tanker berths for the purpose. About 350 employees are also engaged for handling ships and providing allied facilities.

About 70 per cent of the cargo currently handled by the port comprises petroleum products, while 60 per cent of the revenue comes from oil products.

Under these circumstances, the proposal to take away the major share of the port cargo by installing SBM at Manakkodam would not only affect the livelihood of 5,000 port workers and their families, but endanger the existence of several other institutions such as Cochin Shipyard, FACT, etc., which utilise the port facilities.

The leaders said that the move would also take away the chances of the proposed Vallarpadam Container Transshipment Terminal project, which would be a milestone in Kerala's economic development.

They pointed out that Mr Antony had assured the delegation that the Government would do everything possible to protect the interest of Cochin Port and for its development.

The State Government has already written to both the Ministers of Shipping and Petroleum in the matter of SBM and requested them to take a decision favourable to the port, the Chief Minister had said.

The delegation included Mr M.M. Lawrence (Chairman), Mr T.M. Aboo (Vice-Chairman), Mr P.M. Mohammed Haneef (General Convenor), Mr C.M. Chandrabose (Convenor), Mr V.A. Ponnappan, Mr M. Jamalkunju, Mr Nandakumar and Mr Jayalaloo.

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