As cargo ship retreats

The State Maritime Board's only cargo ship service, which started nine months ago, has been withdrawn without even completing an year. JM, a leading shipping company in the country, connected the ports of Kochi, Beypore, Azheekal and Kollam. Buxigroup's Chougle 8 ship was stopped and returned. The port authorities were well aware of the information that the ship service was going to be stopped. But it is unfortunate that there was no action on their part to avoid it. J M Baxi group's Chowgule 8 ship which connected he ports of Kochi, Beypore, Azheekal and Kollam has stopped its service and returned. The port authorities were aware of the information that the ship service was going to be stopped. But it is unfortunate that there was no action on their part to avoid it.

The main reason for stopping the service was that the ship's incentive arrears were over Rs 1 crore , only Rs 35 lakh was finally sanctioned even after they repeatedly asked by writing letters. The service of the ship was flagged off by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on July 4 last year. The main purpose of the shipping service was to connect Kochi port with smaller ports. It has already handled 3330 containers in 43 services. It was also started to avoid traffic problems and air pollution caused by freight transport in lorries.

In addition to the incentive arrears, the Ports Department has not taken steps to facilitate cargo handling at small ports. This also led to their withdrawal. Meanwhile, the Maritime Board, which was supposed to provide infrastructure at the port, was dissolved. And anew one was not formed. There are many talented Malayalees who hold high positions in ports in other states and abroad. Such people should be identified and included to reorganize the Maritime Board.Deepening of the shipping lanes near small ports, preparation of containers and security arrangements have not been completed. Deepening of the shipping lanes near small ports, preparation of containers and security arrangements have not been completed. Kerala has not received anything because of carelessness of Ports department.The government has yet to consider whether the state needs such a port department just to pay the salaries of its officials.