India’s Kochi port to expand bunker market

India’s Kochi port said it will expand its international bunkering prospects by improving its bunkering infrastructure. In light of the expansion, some leading bunker companies are considering setting up operations in Kochi. Kochi plans to develop two port-based SEZs at Vallarpadam and Puthuvypeen. This is in addition to the Petronet LNG Terminal, the cruise terminal and a ship repair complex. The current annual volume of bunkering at Kochi is approximately 40,000 tons. International bunkering sales at the Kochi port in 2010 came to 10,000 tons. (July 2, 2011)