The Cochin Port is set to undergo a massive transformation with development projects worth nearly ₹10,000 crore, making it one of the largest investment phases in the port’s recent history, according to Malayala Manorama. The sweeping upgrades will span the entire port zone—from the Cochin Port area to Cochin Shipyard—bolstering Kerala’s maritime and logistics infrastructure.
A major share of the investment—around ₹1,500 crore—has been allocated to enhance the Vallarpadam International Transhipment Terminal operated by DP World. As part of the plan to accommodate larger motherships, the port will deepen its draft from the current 14.5 metres to 16–16.5 metres. This dredging programme, estimated at ₹800 crore, is being executed by the Dredging Corporation of India under a new agreement with the Cochin Port Authority.
Another ₹500 crore will go towards establishing an LNG bunkering facility in collaboration with BPCL, strengthening Kochi’s position as an emerging LNG hub. A public sector chemical fertiliser plant is also expected to come up at Willingdon Island, further diversifying port-linked industrial activity.
Storage and cargo-handling capacity will get a significant boost with a ₹370-crore, 5.5-acre godown at the Q9 berth and new ship-offloader cranes. At the Q4 berth, a 3.5-acre ammonia tank with 2,000-tonne storage capacity is planned at an additional investment of ₹350 crore. Alongside Essar, the port is also lining up a ₹350-crore bulk liquid terminal.
Cruise tourism infrastructure will receive ₹300 crore for the development of new facilities at Willingdon Island in partnership with Greenix Experiences, positioning Kochi as a premier cruise destination.
The Q5 terminal is set to house a petrochemical container tank farm of 50,000 kilolitres at a cost of ₹125 crore.
These projects come on top of major ongoing developments, including the ₹3,800-crore ship block building unit at Cochin Shipyard and the ₹1,500-crore International Ship Repair Facility at Willingdon Island.
With these combined investments, Kochi is poised for a major leap in maritime competitiveness, cargo handling capacity, and coastal tourism, marking a new era of growth for Kerala’s port sector.
