Kochi Port loses cargo due to strike

Amidst the growing trade union problem at the Kochi Port, the Cashew Manufacturers and Exporters Association asked vessels carrying raw cashew to call at Tuticorin port instead of the former.

Following this three container ships carrying 18,000 metric tonne of raw cashew from the Mtwara Port in Tanzania destined for the Kochi Port would call at the Tuticorin port. The three ships are Kota Hormat, Kota Hungal and Kota Akbar.

At a recent meeting, the association decided to boycott the Kochi Port, and instead promote the Tuticorin Port in Tamil Nadu for importing raw cashew nuts and exporting processed cashew kernels.

The strike declared by drivers and cleaners of container trucks at Kochi Port paralysed container movement in the port in the last ten days.

The divers and cleaners demand an increase in the batta (extra allowance) following the hike in freight charges affected by container truck owners due to an increase in fuel prices.

Government officials held talks with the representatives of trade unions at Thiuvananthapuram to sort out the problem but the union leaders were adamant and walked out of the meeting.

This has led to non-movement of about 50,000 metric tonne of raw cashew nuts, meant for the processing industry, and a huge quantity of processed kernels for export.