The shipping fraternity in Kochi has called upon the authorities to take a re look at the existing Cabotage Law given the growing importance of coastal shipping, following the developmental activities carried out in the major ports.

Sources in shipping circles said that some of the major ports, including Kochi, were developing as transshipment hubs and their progress would be hampered unless outdated guidelines and directives in the Cabotage Law were revised or removed.

The source attributed the growth in container handling registered by Kochi port between April and September this year to the strong showing by coastal shipping, especially from the northern and western parts of the country. Though exim cargo had declined due to the recession during the period, coastal movement has grown more than 40 per cent in the current year.

According to the figures released by the Indian Ports’ Association, Kochi handled 151,350 TEUs between April and September this year against 142,792 TEUs in the corresponding period last year, registering a growth of 5.6%.

Kochi is the only major port to have registered growth ports such as Chennai and Tuticorin, JNPT and Kolkata Dock witnessed negative growth during the period.

(Sourced from Business Line)