And elsewhere on the Subcontinent . . .
Perhaps in response to the possibility of Sethu becoming reality, by which Indian ports will attempt to lure significant amounts of cargo away from Colombo, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority has revealed that it is planning construction of four new container terminals at Colombo. The first phase of construction will involve three 2.4mTEU capacity terminals being built at the beginning of next year, with the first slated to come on stream in 2009, and the remaining two phased into operation later.
The second phase will see another 2.4mTEU capacity terminal built, and altogether the four terminals will raise the port’s total annual handling capacity from its current level of 2.5m to 11mTEUs by 2020. The four terminals will each boast a draught of 20 metres, and 2ha of container handling yard space behind each quayside.
In Pakistan too, there are plans for the further development of Karachi port. Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has announced rather vague plans for the development of its transhipment business. It’s been serving that sector for a few years now and is looking to expand its share of the regional market. A KPT official said: “A dedicated area has been designated for the [transhipment] purpose with 24-hour handling facilities, and other concessions including free dwell-time of 20 days compared to 10 days for other cargo, and exemption from dock labour cess.
Obviously for agencies looking at large transhipment volumes, special rates can also be discussed.”
KPT is also looking at constructing new deepwater facilities at Keamari Grove, which is located at the mouth of Karachi, thus reducing vessel sailing time for vessels with transhipment cargo. It has yet to be decided what the dynamics of the new facilities will be, but it will have to involve the extension and strengthening of the port’s Manora breakwater.