Global logistics company, DP World operated International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Cochin successfully handled over 50,000 TEUs along with 53 vessels during the 50 days of lock down period.
As a provider of essential services, ICTT is operational 24 x 7 and has taken every step to ensure that the nationwide lock down has minimum impact on trade. The terminal is playing a key role to ensure constant flow of essential goods like rice, wheat, pulses, fruits, medical equipment and other cargo.
To enable trade in current times when there are challenges around road transportation, DP World Cochin is using alternate modes of transport for evacuating cargo from the port. In the lock down period, the terminal has handled 19 rakes and the rail volume has seen an impressive four-fold increase.
DP World continues to thrive on initiatives that add value to the supply chain by engaging with customers and stakeholders. This includes successful implementation of Bharat Trade, a digital portal which enables smooth paperless transaction and offers a single window to customers and ensures digital exchange of data on real-time basis. During the lock down period, the platform saw an increase in number of users and assisted the trade in facilitating swift online transactions.
Praveen Joseph, CEO, DP World Cochin, said “As a provider of essential services, we are ensuring the continuous flow of goods across the country. Our Cochin terminal has continued to operate throughout the lock down period keeping the productivity in line with global standards of 30 plus moves per hour. We have taken every possible step to support our customers and to maintain the best possible level of operations, while following strict health and safety guidelines, with the support of Cochin Port Trust, the Ernakulam District & Kerala State Administrations, the Police Department and other stakeholders in the trade.”
The terminal successfully handled the first shipment of geo-tubes as part of coastal conservation project of the government of Kerala. The project is being implemented to protect the 580 km coastline of Kerala by using geo-tubes instead of conventional granite seawalls.
The company is committed to support the local communities during these challenging times and is distributing dry ration kits to those who depend on daily wages or have lost their livelihoods during this time.
