Asia/Pacific News
India: Bunker Sales at Cochin Could Triple in Three Years
Bunkering at India's Cochin Port could rise from the current level of 130,000 tonnes per year (mtpa) to 400,000 mtpa in three years, the Press Trust of India reports.
The port is planning a Multi User Liquid Bulk Terminal on port land at Puthuvypeen to encourage large-scale bunker trade, supported by its strategic location.
Participants in the National Level Bunker Business Meet in Kochi Thursday said development in the sector should rise.
Director General of Shipping Gautam Chatterjee said the port and state government and customs officials have made an effort to streamline procedures for bunker sales.
Those improvements, along with the reduction of state taxes, have already pushed bunkering at Cochin Port up in recent months.
The planned jetty at Puthuvypeen, with a total capacity of 4.1 million mtpa, is scheduled for commissioning by the end of 2015, according to the port website.
