Kollam port, in the southern district of Kerala, is expected to be a hub for cargo operations and cruise tourism, once the ongoing up gradation works are completed. As per the fisheries minister J Mercykutty Amma, cargo ships form Lakshadweep will be the first to dock in the port.
“We will send a high-level committee to Lakshadweep for exploring the possibilities,” said the minister, after a discussion with experts in the sector on Friday, 14th September 2018.
Recently a delegation from the Lakshadweep Development Corporation has visited the Kollam port stated that the port has huge prospects, as the port can accommodate ships with a draft of 7.5 meters and length up to 180 meters. It would be advisable to have facilities for re-fuelling and warehousing, which the port doesn’t have currently.
Once the port become functional, cruise ships can dock at the port. Another prospect is to ship passengers from and to the Minicoy Islands. Since Kollam being the nearest city to Minicoy Islands, it will become the preferred port for the island inmates. The authorities are expecting to start passenger ships operations in the next phase. Currently, Kochi and Beypore are the ports handling passengers of the Minicoy Island.
Shipping company representatives have requested for permanent facilities for immigration, plant quarantine, and piloting for the smooth operation of ships.
“The port fee should be revised to attract more shipping companies. If properly equipped, Kollam port will soon become a coastal shipping hub and there are good prospects for the transport of cashew, sand, and petroleum products,” said a shipping agent.
The authorities are also exploring the possibilities of using low-cost LNG in fishing vessels. “We have started communication with various companies for the purpose. If the switch is possible, LNG will be brought to the Kollam port in barges,” said the fisheries minister.
