The International Container Transshipment Terminal here has recorded 29 per cent growth in box handling during the first six months of this year.
A statement issued by the company on Thursday said that more than two lakh TEUs (Twenty-foot equivalent unit is the measurement of the cargo capacity of ships and terminals) were handled at the terminal from 350 vessels between January and June this year.
The statement from the terminal operator also said that the gantry crane movement per hour improved to more than 30 moves per hour per crane during the period.
The Cochin Port Trust authorities had earlier indicated that the port authority was going all out to woo cargo.
The cargo volume rise has largely been attributed to the decongesting of the Walayar checkpost, increased frequency of mainline sails and trade meets being regularly organised by the Cochin Port Trust officials in the port’s hinterland.
Better facilities
The statement from the terminal operator pointed out: “The facilities at the terminal have been increasingly appreciated and used by both mainline carriers and feeder services.
“All services, particularly those connecting the Far East, Middle East, and Europe, have been doing very well.”