The throughput capacity of the private operated Karaikal port in the Indian peninsula is being shaped for a much higher throughput capacity. Work under the second phase programme is expected to be completed within the next two years.
Karaikal, the green-field private port on the South-East coast of the Indian peninsula, is being repositioned to handle a faster growth rate to keep pace with the spiraling demand. Having come into existence in just a short span of 24 months of financial closure, this break bulk port is set to embark on its second phase of expansion which will create a container terminal and facility to accommodate vessels of more than 120,000 DWT vessels with draft exceeding 16.5 mtrs
“At present, plenty of containerized cargo which moves through Chennai and Tuticorin ports passes through our hinterland”, stated N. Suresh, Senior Vice President of Marg Karaikal Port. “Once we have developed our container terminal by the end of second phase this containerized cargo will come to us. We have already got the finance for the second phase the cost of which is envisaged around $ 326 million. Cargo volumes coming in from Ariyalur have been on an increase. Ariyalur as you know is famous for its limestone and responsible for many of the cement plants having sprung up there. These include world renowned companies such as Madras Cement Ltd., Grasim, Holcim Ltd., etc. From Tirupur too a lot of container cargo originates.”
Presently the port handles multi-purpose cargo including raw sugar, coal, fertilizers, as well as exports of project cargo and cement. Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd will start importing liquid cargo through Karaikal port by this year end under a 10-year agreement. Accordingly pipelines are being laid to connect the port with their refinery to transport the crude.”
The focus is also on developing port based industry in the vicinity of the port. According to sources a number of industrialists have already shown interest. “Plans are afoot to set up an agri-processing zone,” informed an official. “We have also been talking to interested parties for setting up cement and clinker plants. Those interested in developing such units Karaikal port will help them with land and other facilities. Besides, we are developing our infrastructure in tune with their infrastructure requirements and what ever feasible we are willing to accommodate.”
“As far as container terminal operation is concerned we are looking to joining hands with some leading international container operator,” stated Mr. Suresh. “Construction for the second phase will commence in the next few days and will get completed by 2012.”
Karaikal port is being designed for a high throughput activity. The neighboring major ports of Chennai and Tuticorin (which have been in existence for almost a century) are able to achieve presently a daily throughput of only half of that of Karaikal. Besides, Karaikal port has the added advantage of being a deep draft port and accommodates panamax vessels, which at the moment is not possible in the other two ports.