Kerala to start transportation of Petro products through barges

The state owned Kerala shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation has launched a 300 metric ton capacity barge to transport petroleum products as part of the move to reduce transport of hazardous cargo by road.

 The barge is currently deployed to transport furnace oil from Kochin to Kollam a distance of about 150 kilometers

The demand for the barge Amrutha is on the rise as various industries demand its service. List of possible customers include the Indian Oil corporation and several private industries in Central Kerala region.

The initiative is in line with the government’s policy of transporting hazardous materials through waterways, avoiding roads. The Kerala shipping and Inland Navigation corporation has spent Rs 4.5 Crore for the construction of the vessel in its yard. The vessel is IRS certified and licensed by Cochin Port Trust. Apart from furnace oil, the barge is licensed to transport petroleum products. The barge is capable of refueling large ships mid-sea.