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DP World and the Cochin Port Authority are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today for channel deepening and berth expansion at the Vallarpadam International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT).
As part of the plan, Cochin Port will deepen its 12 km navigation channel to 16 metres to enhance port competitiveness, with an estimated investment of ₹600–700 crore. The port has also requested DP World to extend the existing berth by 350 metres, involving an additional investment of approximately ₹1,800 crore, to enable the handling of 16-metre draft vessels.
The initiative comes amid rising competition from the recently inaugurated Vizhinjam Port, which poses a challenge to Vallarpadam’s container traffic. While Cochin Port will bear the maintenance dredging costs, it has sought Union government support for capital dredging, aimed at improving the port’s capacity, efficiency, and long-term viability.
News by Rahul Yelligetti.
