December 02, 2008

Kochi Port revamps power supply infrastructure

BL reported that port users in Kochi will soon able to receive uninterrupted, quality power supply once the 110 kV sub station is commissioned at Willingdon Island in 10 days’ time.

Mr N Ramachandran chairman of Koch port told Business Line that it had completely revamped the power supply infrastructure and upgraded the existing supply to 110 kV sub station by replacing all underground cables. Siemens India Ltd had carried out the work at a cost of INR 18 crore. The work has almost been complete and the trial process is on, he said.

He said that the project is expected to be commissioned in mid-September. Once it is ready, the present disruption in power supply due to poor infrastructure can be avoided.

The port, according to Mr Ramachandran is now spending huge amounts of money during power interruptions by running generators in order to keep the operations smooth. However, frequent switching over from regular power supply to generator had also created problems for cargo handling equipment and other electronic components because of the poor quality of electricity. Once the system is in place, he added, they would be able to provide good quality power to users, thereby enabling them to carry out smooth cargo handling operations in the entire port.

Sources in the port pointed out that there were a lot of instances when power interruptions had affected gadgets in the terminal due to voltage fluctuations. The technical problems at the gantry are also affecting departure of ships due to delay in completing unloading operations. Source added that once the port provides uninterrupted power supply, the problems at the gantry can be solved.