The Cochin Port Trust is exploring the possibility of constructing a multi-user liquid terminal at its land in Puthuvypeen as part of providing bunkering services to ocean-going vessels.

A proposal in this regard has been mooted in the wake of suggestions made by bunkering terminal operators that the port should go for a multi-user liquid terminal instead of setting up a bunkering terminal.

The port Chairman, Mr N. Ramachandran, told Business Line that most of the bunkering terminal operators specialise only in providing services rather than constructing terminals for the purpose.

Considering the idea, the port has appointed a team of experts from the Indian Ports Association as consultants for the project.

They have commenced work on a feasibility report, which includes the investment portion. It will be submitted in two months.

Based on the report, the port would decide on constructing the terminal or offering it on BOT basis.

On the proposed bunkering terminal project, the Chairman said that the proposal has been forwarded to the Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC) of the Shipping Ministry.

The expressions of interest received from companies that had shown interest in the project earlier were not satisfactory; the port would not be in a position to give them tax exemption to bunkers services.

However, the project looks attractive now for the operators following the decision of the Kerala Government to provide tax exemption for services required at the terminal.

The port now wants to go for tendering for the project after getting PPPAC clearance, he added.

The activities to be provided in the terminal include bunkering lube oil supply, de-slopping, garbage collection, fresh water supply, ship repair, crew change and storage facilities.

The port enjoys geo-strategic locational advantage in being a prominent Indian Ocean port situated close to the busiest maritime highway connecting Europe and West Asia to the Far East and Australia.

Besides, Kochi has the facilities for all official clearance requirements, such as Customs, immigration and port health.