i-maritime News Service

Kochi port ropes in DCI to complete dredging work at Vallarpadam - 2012-06-04

The Kochi port has decided to engage Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) to complete dredging work at Vallarpadam container terminal. This follows the exit of Mercator, the original contractor, which could not complete the work on time. DCI already has a contract with Kochi port for maintenance dredging.

A port official said DCI's cutter suction dredger ‘Aquarius' is currently undergoing repairs at the Cochin Shipyard and will be ready in a week's time.

The official said the dredging work would be completed in 40-50 days. As of now, Vallarpadam terminal services two vessels at a time utilising the depth of 16 metres already achieved along 350 metres of the 605-metre berth. Rest of the areas has a depth of 10-12 metres. DCI is the third contractor hired to complete the dredging work at Vallarpadam. The terminal was inaugurated in February 2011, before the dredging was completed.

Source : Hindu Business Line