KOCHI: The Cochin Port Officers' Association (CPOA) on Tuesday requested the State Government and the Labour Department to intervene in the issues related to handling of cars transported by Ro-Ro ships at the Cochin Port Trust (CPT), and to create a 'trade-friendly' atmosphere there.
In a statement issued here on Tuesday, CPOA president K V Bhagavath Singh also appealed to all stakeholders to work towards tapping the prospects of car import/export by Ro-Ro ships.
Diversion of the car business will lead to indirect revenue loss to the State. We hope the labour force would realise this truth, and act responsibly. We should not repeat the past mistakes and miss the bus," said Singh.
Pointing out that seaports are the main sources of economic development for any country/state, Singh said the Cochin Port had been the backbone of Kerala's economic growth.
"Any setback to the Port's growth will affect the State also, and the Port is currently passing through a very critical period. Containerisation and adaptation of modern technology have paved the way for a modal shift for the Port, which in the past used to handle all traditional cargo in the conventional way.
In recent years, however, our cargo has been getting diverted to the neighbouring ports due to various reasons. One of the main reasons for such diversion is uncertainty over the labour condition at the Port, despite the fact that there had been no issues for the past ten years from the Port's own labour force," said the statement.
"The Port succeeded in attracting Ro-Ro ships carrying cars by making constant efforts. While two voyages have already arrived, the new business is facing uncertainty due to issues created by private labourers at Willingdon Island," it said. Car import by Ro-Ro ships is a new format of operation, wherein no extra labour force is required, unlike bulk and break-bulk operation.
"The Port is looking forward to develop this business and make Kochi a hub for car export to all parts of the world. The Cochin Port has the unique advantage of being the cleanest port, which is ideal for car handling. It also enjoys the geo-strategic advantage of being the closest port to the international sea route. Besides, import of cars by Ro-Ro ships will result in savings of `3,500 per car, which in turn will benefit customers in Kerala. It is felt that the huge potential of the Cochin port would be jeopardized because of the labour dispute," added the statement.
Source: www.bing.com
