The inordinate delay in completing the capital dredging work for the Vallarpadam ICTT project may lead to the postponement of the soft launch of the project's operations scheduled for later this month by the terminal operator DP World.
Informed sources in the port told Business Line that the terminal operator had made it clear to the port that there is no question of shifting its operations to Vallarpadam from the existing Rajiv Gandhi Container Terminal until the 14.5 metres draught is achieved in the ICTT berth basins.
DP World had already erected four Super Panamax quay cranes and the final stages of construction work are going on according to schedule. Besides, 11 Rubber Tyred Gantries are waiting in the terminal yard for getting installed.
However, the delay in completing the capital dredging work even after the extended period has become a matter of concern for the terminal operator to commence operations of the ICTT in the set time frame.
It may be recalled that the Shipping Minister had informed the Lok Sabha that the first phase of ICTT project would be ready by October, based on the inputs provided by the shipping secretary, who issued orders for the completion of all dredging work by September.
According to sources, the capital dredging work to provide 14.5 metres draught at the ICTT berth basins had to be completed before January 31.
However, the Port Trust Board had granted the dredging company Jaisu Shipping an extension till April 30 on condition that the entire compensation due would be claimed in the event of non-performance by extended date of April 30. The dredging company had not completed the work even after the expiry of the extended period.
Considering the slow pace in work, it is now almost sure that the commissioning of the terminal is likely to be delayed further. The ICTT needs a draught of 14.5 metres to handle mother vessels currently calls the transhipment hubs in the region.
The dredging in the channel to 14.5 metres will require a minimum 300,000 cubic metres of silt to be dredged, which is reported to be difficult to complete in a month's time.
(Sourced from BL)
