ICTT to become fully functional by August-end

KOCHI: The functions of the International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Vallarpadom will become full-fledged by the end of August.At an interactive session organised under the aegis of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry here on Monday, ICTT chairman and managing director K K Krishnadas said the mother ships would call at the port if the Cochin Port Trust completes the deepening of the ship channel without delay.The channel has to be widened to 15 metres for the mother ships to call at the ICTT. There are certain problems related to the operations of the ICTT. These will be solved soon, Krishnadas said.He said the Central Government should relax the cabotage law which restricts the free movement of ships along the Indian coast. Krishnadas sought the help of organisations like the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the cause.The ICTT has a less turn-around time (TOT) which helps the port to elevate itself to international standards. The ICTT will soon become a port that can compete with even Singapore, he said.Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Prathapachandran and secretary and vicepresident Prakash James spoke on the occasion.