The commissioning of the much-awaited mega port project of Kerala, the Vallarpadam Trans-shipment Container Terminal, is likely to be delayed further as the dredging work limps its way even after repeated ultimatums from the Cochin Port Trust (CPT).
In July, the port had set September 30 deadline for completion of dredging by Mumbai-based Jaisu Shipping, the dredging contractors of the project. The company has to provide 14.5 meters draft at the port, but this could not be achieved even well past the deadline. It is also not clear as to when the required draft would be provided at the new terminal.
DP World, the BOT developer of the terminal, has completed the construction of wharfs, office complex and other facilities and the fixing of huge cranes is now on. But the lack of required draft is a concern to the company.
The port had also planned to have the launch this December and approached the PMO for a date convenient to the prime minister.
Meanwhile, Jaisu Shipping has approached CPT to avoid penalty for not adhering to the deadline. It is learnt that the port is insisting on collecting the penalty from the dredging company which, according to the contract, has to pay huge amount as penalty for missing the deadline.
As per the original agreement between CPT and DP World, the project was to be commissioned in April 2009.
