In-a-first, Kidderpore Dock of KoPT begins cargo handling

Kolkata: Marking a new beginning in promoting coastal cargo, the Kidderpore Dock of Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) has began cargo handling.

The vessel, MCP London, made its maiden coastal voyage from Katupally to Kidderpore. Dock carrying glass, cement and other cargo. It is after a gap of 10 years that the Kolkata Port Trust has been able to utilise Kidderpore Dock for handling containers, after undertaking thorough renovation of it. The vessel call was first at Krishnapattanam and Katupally where it loaded 50 TEUS of construction related material in containers.

It started its return voyage from Kidderpore Dock on Friday with 116 TEUs of containers belonging to mainline operators. It will reach Kolkata on July 14 with more cargoes. The frequency of service will be seven days for a round trip. The vessel has the capacity to carry 300 containers. KoPT has plans to ship cars through Kidderpore Dock.

The KPD's modernisation has entailed an investment to the tune of Rs 5.5 crore. A reefer point was also put in place to accommodate refrigerated cargo. A senior official of KoPT said that coastal shipping is not only environment friendly but economical in comparison to movement of cargo by road. It may be mentioned here manufacturers have already started sending vehicles to Bangladesh from Kolkata on Ro-Ro vessels to avoid traffic congestion.