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{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2014}}
{{Infobox Port
| name = Kollam Port കൊല്ലം തുറമുഖം
| image = Port of Kollam, Mar 2016.jpg
| image_caption = Kollam Port
| image_size = 200px
| country = {{flagicon|India}} India
| location = [[Kollam|City of Kollam]]
| coordinates = {{coord|8.881899|N|76.573781|E|display=title,inline}}
| opened = AD {{Start date and age|825}} {{Start date and age|2007}} (renovation)
| operated = [[Kerala Maritime Board]], Government of Kerala
| owner = Government of Kerala
| sizewater =
| sizeland = {{convert|10.6|acre|km2}}
| size = {{convert|44|acre|km2}}
| berths = 2
| wharfs = 1 (178 metres) 2 (101 metres)
| piers =
| employees =
| leadershiptitle = Port Officer
| leader = Captain Hari Achutha Warrier<ref>{{cite web | url = http://kmb.kerala.gov.in/en/contact | title = Contact Us - Kerala Maritime Board | publisher = Government of Kerala | access-date=2023-03-01}}</ref>
| blankdetailstitle1 = World Port Index Number
| blankdetails1 = '''49160'''<ref>{{cite web | url = http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=msi_portal_page_62&pubCode=0015 | title = World Port Index | publisher = National Geospatial Intelligence Agenct | year = 2015}}</ref>
| blankdetailstitle2 = Electronic Data Interchange Code(EDI)
| blankdetails2 = '''INKUK1'''<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.icegate.gov.in/TrackAtICES/beTrackIces | title = Kollam Port SEA(INKUK1) - e Commerce Portal Central Board of Excise & Customs | publisher = Central Board of Excise & Customs | year = 2015}}</ref>
| blankdetailstitle3 = Cranes
| blankdetails3 = 2
| arrivals = 163 (after 2007)
| cargotonnage =
| containervolume =
| cargovalue = 2.2 million tonnes
| passengertraffic =
| revenue = 62 million<ref>http://www.keralaports.gov.in/doc/Kollam%20Final%20DFR/Annexures%20to%20DFR/Annexure%2013/Annexure%2013.1%20-%20Scenario%201%20Option%201.pdf Profit & Loss statement of Kollam Port</ref>
| profit =
| blankstatstitle1 = Main imports
| blankstats1 = Sand, Cashew, Tiles
| blankstatstitle2 = Passenger Terminal
| blankstats2 = 288m
| blankstatstitle3 =
| blankstats3 =
| website = {{URL|http://www.keralaports.gov.in/}}
}}
'''Kollam Port''' is one of the historic ports situated {{convert|4|km}} away from [[Downtown Kollam|Downtown]] [[Kollam]] (formerly Quilon),14 km north of [[Paravur, Kollam|Paravur]] and 24 km north of [[Varkala]] Town<ref>[http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-09-22/news/30189382_1_kollam-backwaters-tourism-infrastructure Kollam, Ashtamudi Lake - great alternatives to Kochi, Vembanad Lake]</ref> It is the second largest [[Ports in Kerala|port in Kerala]] by volume of cargo handled and facilities. Located on the south-west coast of India, under the name of Quilon Port it became one of the country's most important trade hubs from the ninth to the seventeenth centuries. Kollam was one of the five Indian ports visited by [[Ibn Battuta]].<ref>{{cite book|date=2010|title=The Adventures of Ibn Battuta: A Muslim Traveler of the Fourteenth Century |publisher=Ross E. Dunn |isbn=9780520931718}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/011117/a-requiem-for-ashtamudi.html|title=A requiem for Ashtamudi|date=2017-11-01|access-date=2017-11-01|publisher=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://cw.routledge.com/textbooks/9780415485432/18.asp|title=Ibn Battuta: International Trade at the Malabar Coast|access-date=2017-11-01|publisher=Routledge}}</ref>

== History ==
[[File:Quilon 1505 verbessert.jpg|thumb|left|150px|[[Kollam]] in the 1500s]]
[[Kollam]] was a port city of the [[Chera Dynasty]] until the formation of the independent [[Venad]] kingdom, of which it became the capital. Prior to that, Kollam was considered one of the four early entrepots in the global sea trade around the 13th century, along with Alexandria and Cairo in Egypt, the Chinese city of Quanzhou, and Malacca in the Malaysian archipelago.<ref name=Tignor>{{cite book|last=et al]|first=Robert Tignor [et|title=Worlds together, worlds apart : a history of the world from the beginnings of humankind to the present|year=2010|publisher=W.W. Norton & Co.|location=New York|isbn=9780393934922|page=365|url=http://books.wwnorton.com/books/detail.aspx?ID=17166|edition=3rd}}</ref>

[[File:Ashramam Relief, Kollam port.jpg|thumb|Relief in Ashramam, Kollam]]
The port was founded by Mar Abo with sanction from Udayamarthandavarma the Tamil king of the Venad in 825 as an alternative to reopening the inland seaport of Kore-ke-ni Kollam near Backare (Thevalakara) also known as Nelcynda and Tyndis to the Romans and the Greeks and Thondi to the Tamils and is also the foundation of the new city. It is also believed that Mar Abo actually volunteered to the Chera king to create a new seaport town near at [[Kollam]] instead of his request for renewing the almost vanishing Tyndis or Nelcynda inland seaport ( kore-ke-ni) at [[Kollam]], lying idle without trade for a few centuries because of the Cheras being overrun by [[Pallava dynasty|Pallavas]] in the 6th century AD ending the spice trade from Malabar coast. This allowed Mar Abo to stay for many decades in Chera kingdom and streamline Christian faith among the Nampoothiri Vaishnavites &Nair sub-castes in the St. Thomas tradition with Syrian liturgy as Reference for the Doctrine of Trinity without replacing the Sanskrit and Vedic prayers.<ref>History of [[Kollam|Kollam city]] and Kollam Port [http://www.quilon.com/history.htm Quilon.com]</ref> The Chinese traders were one of the oldest foreign communities
to settle in [[Kollam]]. That was the period when [[Kollam]] evolved as a major trade center (of spices) and an important port along the Malabar coast.

[[File:Kerala cities at time of Cabral (1500).gif|thumb|left|250px|[[Kerala]] ports and cities c. 1500]]

In January 2014, the port trust discovered thousands of Chinese coins and Stone Age weapons at Kollam Port, revealing the historical background and trade culture of the port city.<ref>[http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r599/ArunVR/Silayudham.jpg Coins found from Kollam Port]</ref><ref>[https://archive.today/20140218095434/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2014-02-17/thiruvananthapuram/47411545_1_artefacts-kollam-coins Artifacts found from Kerala's ancient Port City]</ref>
This was the first discovery of such a quantity of artifacts at a port in India. These finds reveal that Kollam was the most important port city in India, which served as the business hub of people from [[China]], [[Middle East]], the [[Netherlands]], [[Portugal]], [[Brazil]] and other [[Eastern Mediterranean|Eastern Mediterranean countries]].<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/emergence-of-antiques-triggers-treasure-hunt-in-kollam/article5711850.ece Emergence of antiques triggers treasure hunt in Kollam]</ref><ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/shards-of-the-past-point-to-kollam-ports-glory-days/article5728896.ece Shards of the past point to Kollam port’s glory days]</ref> Archaeologists believe that an engulfed city lies on the seabed of current Kollam Port.

Today, ships frequently anchor at the port for shipping operations as well for urgent repairs when required.<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/ship-berths-at-kollam-port/article165373.ece Ship berths at Kollam port]</ref> Chief Minister [[Oommen Chandy]] launched the Coastal Shipping Project (CSP) at Kollam Port on 9{{nbsp}}November 2013 while passenger ships began operations in 2014.<ref>''[http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/passenger-ships-will-start-from-kollam-this-year-chandy/article5333839.ece Passenger ships will start from Kollam this year: Chandy]''. Accessed 17 December 2013.</ref> The first container ship, ''MV Suryamukhi'' arrived at Kollam port as part of the coastal shipping project on 18{{nbsp}}January 2014, after a two-month delay.<ref>[http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/First-Container-Ship-in-Kollam-Port/2014/01/19/article2007910.ece#.U0JridLHm-0 First Container Ship in Kollam Port]</ref> Major shipping companies are now showing interest in the port to commence shipping operations. The companies have plans to choose the port as an intermediate base. At present, about four companies have assured their frequent presence at the port. Sooryamukhi, the chartered ship of Kerala State Maritime Development Corporation has sailed to Mudra Port in Gujarat to load tiles and building materials. The Great Sea Shipping Company will also berth at the port soon, carrying cashew from Kochi.<ref>[http://www.deccanchronicle.com/131119/news-current-affairs/article/shipping-companies-evince-interest-kollam-port Shipping companies evince interest in Kollam Port]</ref>
After modernization of the port, the first foreign ship anchored in the port on 4 April 2014.<ref>[http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Foreign-Ship-Reaches-Kollam-Port/2014/04/05/article2150731.ece#.U0Jt2NLHm-0 Foreign Ship Reaches Kollam Port]</ref> Now it is proven that huge foreign ships can easily operate from Kollam Port. The tugs ''MT Chaliyar'' and ''MT Kerala'' along with a new German-made Rs. 12 crore crane is used for the maritime operations in the port.
[[File:View of Kollam Port from Thangassery Harbour.jpg|right|thumb|A distant view of Kollam Port from [[Thangassery]] harbour]]

== Layout ==

The wharf at Kollam Port is {{convert|177|m}} in length and {{convert|12|m}} wide with an available draught of {{convert|6.5|m}}, whereby vessels up to 15,000 DWT can berth directly. Dredging works are underway{{when|date=May 2015}} at the port to increase the draught to {{convert|10|m}} at a cost of Rs.5.7 crores so that ships of {{convert|170|m}} and above can easily anchor without the need to travel further to [[Kochi]], [[Thoothukudi]] or [[Chennai]]. The wharf is protected from the waves by a {{convert|2100|m}} seaboard breakwater and a {{convert|500|m}} leeward breakwater. The length of the wharf will be increased to {{convert|200|m}} in due course. In 2007, Kollam Port handled about 500,000 tonnes of cargo.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.keralaports.gov.in/doc/Kollam%20Final%20DFR/Final%20DFR%20Kollam%20Report.pdf |title=Kollam Port |access-date=7 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303213028/http://www.keralaports.gov.in/doc/Kollam%20Final%20DFR/Final%20DFR%20Kollam%20Report.pdf |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071020151407/http://hindu.com/2007/10/19/stories/2007101951080300.htm V.S to Inaugurate Kollam Port]</ref>

== Hinterland and cargo ==
[[File:Quilon 1670 verbessert.jpg|right|thumb|Capture of [[Kollam]] in 1661]]
[[File:Quilon 1745.jpg|right|thumb|[[Kollam]] in the 1800s]]
The primary hinterland of Kollam Port extends to [[Pathanamthitta]] and the southern parts of the [[Kottayam district|Kottayam]] and [[Idukki district|Idukki]] districts; the central and southern parts of [[Alappuzha district]], [[Kollam district]] and [[Thiruvananthapuram district]] with the [[Kanyakumari district|Kanyakumari]]-[[Tirunelveli district|Tirunelveli]]-[[Madurai district|Madurai]] and [[Teni district|Teni]] districts of [[Tamil Nadu]]. Commodities currently handled or planned for the port include marble, tiles, sand, titanium ore, cashew nuts, kernels and nut shell liquid, seafood, clay, timber logs, sillimanite, titanium dioxide, blood products, newsprint and waste paper, cement, urea and muriate of potash for fertilizer, rubber, food, agricultural products and cement as well as other commodities and products for local companies such as [[Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre|Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Trivandrum]] and [[Kerala Minerals and Metals]].

== Development and modernisation ==
[[File:Dredger "Hansitha" at Kollam(Quilon) coast, Jul 2016.jpg|right|thumb|A dredger ship washed ashore at [[Mundakkal Beach]], 2km away from Kollam Port]]
Several major modernization projects have been proposed for Kollam with Maldives port in order to transform it into the "port city of Kerala". Projects already planned are some of the largest ever mooted for the state. A facelift of the Maruthadi-Iravipuram area will be carried out by the government as part of the "Kollam Port City" project and will include facilities for sports, fishing, tourism and entertainment.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u606/quilonsky/Mathrubhumi_zps52ba640e.png | title = Kollam - Port City Project | year = 2013}}</ref> Dredging works are going on for increasing the depth of the port, so that huge ships can easily anchor at the port. As part of the modernization, Government of Kerala have already established a [[Kerala Maritime Institute|Maritime Institute]] at [[Neendakara]] in [[Kollam]] city<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/article348421.ece |title=Rs 24.8 crore sanctioned for Maritime Institute |publisher=The New Indian Express |access-date=21 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/article348421.ece |title=Rs 24.8 crore sanctioned for Maritime Institute |publisher=The New Indian Express |access-date=15 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Kerala-Maritime-Institute-Inaugurated/2016/02/22/article3289896.ece |title=Kerala Maritime Institute Inaugurated |publisher=The New Indian Express |date=22 February 2016 |access-date=22 February 2016}}</ref>

;Funding
[[File:Port of Kollam.jpg|thumb|right|Port of [[Kollam]]]]
The Indian State Cabinet approved a detailed project report to develop the port in April 2012. Split into two phases, the first will require an investment of Rs 1.11 billion and the second Rs 12.5 billion. The government has already invested Rs 7.106 billion as part of the first phase. A wharf will be laid out to the southeast of the port in the second stage of development.<ref name="Kollam - Port City Project - News published in Mathrubhumi Daily">{{cite web | url = http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/thangassery-port-plans-get-cabinet-nod/article3320903.ece | title = Thangassery port plans get Cabinet nod | year = 2014}}</ref> A wharf with the capacity to accommodate six ships at a time is also planned.

;EDI and online customs clearance facilities
[[File:Dredgers and ships near Kollam Port, Mar 2017.jpg|thumb|right|Dredger ships anchored at Kollam Port]]
Kollam Port is one of the two ports in Kerala that have the facility to provide online customs clearance at the port with the help of [[Electronic data interchange]] (EDI). Kollam Port's EDI locator code is '''INKUK1'''. The Electronic Data Interface (EDI) facility of the Customs at the Kollam Port was commissioned on 6 January 2016 and this had enabled importers and exports to handle consignments meant for Kollam from anywhere in the world. The facility with a particular code was available round the clock. It replaced the manual system for Customs clearance at the port.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.icegate.gov.in/SMTPList.html | title = EDI Location Codes & Places(No.130 Kollam Port) - e-Commerce Portal Central Board of Excise & Customs | publisher = Central Board of Excise & Customs | year = 2015}}</ref>

With the help of this technology, import and export details of goods, tax amounts and payments will be converted into electronic format. This will enable smooth and speedy transportation of goods through the port. To facilitate this move, a high-speed dedicated [[Multiprotocol Label Switching]] enabled internet connection has been implemented at the port. Kollam will become the second port in Kerala to offer EDI enabled technology allowing it to offer more convenient container handling and transportation activities than [[Cochin Port|Kochi Port]] and [[Tuticorin Port]] as the export-import rates at Kollam Port are significantly lower. There is also a proposal to export food products to The [[Maldives]] from Kollam Port.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.madhyamam.com/news/313464/141013 |title=കൊല്ലം തുറമുഖത്തെ കസ്റ്റംസ് ക്ളിയറന്‍സുകള്‍ ഓണ്‍ലൈന്‍ സംവിധാനത്തിലേക്ക്| madhyamam |access-date=2014-11-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022170950/http://www.madhyamam.com/news/313464/141013 |archive-date=22 October 2014 }} Online Customs Clearance Facility for Kollam Port to be ready in a month</ref>

;Co-operation with Tuticorin Port
As Kochi Port is approaching full capacity, the port department of Kerala and the [[Cashew Export Promotion Council of India]] (CEPCI) have decided to cooperate with Tuticorin Port to import raw cashews for [[Cashew business in Kollam|Kollam based cashew factories]]. According to the plan, raw cashews will arrive at Tuticorin Port and then be trans-shipped to Kollam Port aboard small container ships.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/kollam-tuticorin-ports-plan-tieup/article6232529.ece | title = Kollam, Tuticorin ports plan tie-up | website = [[The Hindu]] | year = 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag151/babusr03/492_94_1930_702_zpsb5f16083.jpg | title = Ships to Kollam With Raw Cashews | year = 2014}}</ref> There is also a plan to set up a quarantine facility and cashew testing lab at the port with the support of CEPCI.<ref>[http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140910/nation-current-affairs/article/kollam-port-tourism-enthusiasts-too] Kollam Port for tourism enthusiasts too</ref>

;Vessel tracking and monitoring system (VTMS)
The Ports Department of the [[Government of Kerala|Kerala Government]] has sanctioned Rs.28.8 million to install a vessel Tracking and Monitoring System (VTMS) at the port.<ref>[http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/Rs-2.88-cr-Sanctioned/2014/10/18/article2482917.ece] Rs 2.88 cr Sanctioned</ref>

;Cruise ship and hovercraft services
[[File:Water tank inside the Port of Quilon, Mar 2017.jpg|right|thumb|Water tank inside the Port]]
The Ports Department together with Customs Officers and tour operators agreed to start Kollam-based cruise operations from April 2014. Initially, domestic only services are on offer although these may later be expanded to international services. Tour operators agree that the port has the potential for international cruise operations because of the tourism potential of the surrounding areas and have stated that the infrastructure of the port meets the requirements for cruise operations. They have also explored the possibilities of starting hovercraft services from the port. The plan is to start with a Kollam-Kochi service taking about three hours and 20 minutes to cover the distance.<ref name="Kollam Port ready for cruise operations - News published in The Hindu">{{cite web | url = http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/kollam-port-ready-for-cruise-operations/article6540031.ece | title = Kollam Port ready for cruise operations | website = [[The Hindu]] | year = 2014}}</ref>

;Industrial Development Zones
The government of Kerala has decided on industrial development projects around airports and ports in Kerala. Projects in the port area will be carries out with the help of the [[Infrastructure Development Finance Company]]. Industrial Development Zones will be set up in districts such as [[Kozhikode district|Kozhikode]], [[Ernakulam district|Ernakulam]], [[Thiruvananthapuram district|Thiruvananthapuram]], [[Kannur district|Kannur]] and [[Kollam district|Kollam]], which have either ports or airports. Townships will also be built adjacent to these facilities<ref name="Impetus for Projects Around Ports, Airports - News published in The New Indian Express">{{cite web | url = http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/Impetus-for-Projects-Around-Ports-Airports/2014/11/05/article2507990.ece | title = Impetus for Projects Around Ports, Airports | year = 2014}}</ref>

;New Passenger Terminal and Cargo Terminal
[[File:View of Kollam Port from Port Road, Oct 2016.jpg|right|thumb|Passenger terminal under construction]]
Chief Minister [[Oommen Chandy]] inaugurated the construction works of new Passenger Terminal at Kollam Port on 14 August 2015.<ref name="INAUGURATION OF CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW PASSENGER TERMINAL AT KOLLAM PORT - Allevents.in">{{cite web | url = https://allevents.in/varkala/inauguration-of-construction-of-the-new-passenger-terminal-at-kollam-port/898341750256147 | title = INAUGURATION OF CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW PASSENGER TERMINAL AT KOLLAM PORT | year = 2015}}</ref> Opening of [[National Waterway 3 (India)|National Waterway-3]] connecting [[Kollam]] city will invite more passengers to [[Kollam]]. Moreover, the new passenger terminal at Kollam Port aiming [[Lakshadweep]] Government's plans to start passenger ship services to [[Kollam]] city, as [[Kollam]] city is very close to [[Minicoy]] compared to [[Kochi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/lakshadweep-keen-on-investing-in-kollam-port/article86649.ece|title= Lakshadweep keen on investing in Kollam port|access-date=2014-08-27|work= The Hindu}}</ref>

Kollam Port is the nearest seaport to [[Minicoy|Minicoy Island]]. It is just 200 nautical miles away from Minicoy.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/why-kollam-port-stands-to-gain-from-lakshadweeps-big-tourism-plans/article36537275.ece|title= Why Kollam Port stands to gain from Lakshadweep's big tourism plans|access-date=2021-09-18|work= The Hindu|date= 18 September 2021|last1= Sudhish|first1= Navamy}}</ref>

;International ship arrived with raw cashews
'Intermarine', an international vessel from [[Singapore]] has anchored at Port of Kollam with 5,600 tonnes of raw cashew from the [[West Africa]]n country of [[Guinea-Bissau]] on 30 August 2015, after a long gap of 47 years.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/ship-brings-cheer-to-kollam-cashew-industry/article7598579.ece|title= Direct Imports Cheer up Cashew Industry|access-date=2015-09-08|work= The Hindu|date= 30 August 2015|last1= Pereira|first1= Ignatius}}</ref> This opened ways for Kollam Port to provide needed facilities for international huge vessels and has popped up the cashew industry in [[Kollam]] city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Direct-Imports-Cheer-up-Cashew-Industry/2015/09/08/article3015911.ece|title= Direct Imports Cheer up Cashew Industry|access-date=2015-09-08|publisher= TNIE}}</ref> The direct deal between Kollam Port and international raw cashew exporters from [[Africa]] have given new hopes for giant cashew business groups in [[Kollam]] city, as a full load of raw cashew container can be transferred from Kollam Port to the processing units for a cost of Rs. 3000–4000. Earlier it was Rs. 17000-18000 for transferring from [[Kochi Port]]/[[Tuticorin Port]] to [[Kollam]].

;Weekly service to Kochi International Container Transshipment Terminal
In January 2016, a weekly service connecting Port of Kollam with [[International Container Transshipment Terminal, Kochi|International Container Transshipment Terminal]] in [[Kochi]] has been started in order to boost the cashew trade and other businesses in [[Kollam]] city and neighbouring places. The first feeder ship from [[Tanzania]] with 30 container loads of raw cashew had been docked at [[Kollam]] on 6 January 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/first-container-ship-with-raw-cashew-calls-at-kollam/article8075221.ece|title= First container ship with raw cashew calls at Kollam|access-date=2016-01-09|work= The Hindu}}</ref> The containers were loaded on the feeder vessel from a ship that arrived at Vallarpadam with the consignment from Tanzania.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/ictt-records-stronger-business-growth-in-2015/|title= Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide|access-date=2016-01-09|publisher= TNIE}}</ref> This service is expected to benefit customers as cargo landing in [[Kollam]] will ensure better visibility and control over inventory, besides saving cost. Since Kollam Port is the only modern port with all needed facilities in South Kerala, the feeder service will also benefit the traders and businessmen in [[Trivandrum]], [[Pathanamthitta]], [[Nagercoil]], [[Marthandam]] and [[Kanyakumari]] with low-cost goods transportation and export-import facilities from Kollam Port.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/ICTT-Records-Stronger-Business-Growth-in-2015/2016/01/08/article3217126.ece|title= ICTT Records Stronger Business Growth in 2015|access-date=2016-01-09|publisher= TNIE}}</ref> The introduction of the shipping facility from [[Kollam]] will enable processors to cut costs to some extent. It will also serve to ease congestion on roads.

;Port complex
Minister [[K. Babu]] laid the foundation stone for the Kollam port complex worth Rs.5-crore on 14 January 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/work-on-port-office-building-begins/article8110137.ece|title=Work on port office building begins|access-date=2016-03-01|work=The Hindu}}</ref>

;Commencement of Roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro) ship service
MV Maria, a 160-metre long Ro-Ro ship with a capacity to carry up to 150 loaded trucks and 210 cars, anchored at Kollam Port on 17 March 2016 from [[Panambur|New Mangalore Port]]. This is the first ro-ro ship to call at any port in [[Kerala]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/roro-ship-to-call-at-kollam-today/article8363409.ece|title=Ro-ro ship to call at Kollam today|access-date=2016-03-17|work=The Hindu|date=16 March 2016 |last1=Pereira |first1=Ignatius }}</ref>

;Passenger ship service to Lakshadweep Islands
In October 2016, Kerala Ports Minister [[Kadannappalli Ramachandran]] announced passenger ship services from Kollam Port and Azheekal Port to Lakshadweep for opening up two new spokes connecting the islands with the mainland.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/hydrofoil-ferry-service-soon/article9182343.ece|title=Hydrofoil ferry service soon|access-date=2016-10-04|work=The Hindu}}</ref> Officials from [[Government of Kerala]] and [[Kollam Municipal Corporation]] is expected to visit [[Minicoy]], the southernmost atoll of [[Lakshadweep]] soon, to study the potential of the proposed ferry service to [[Kollam]] city. Plans of health department authorities are underway to bring visitors from [[Maldives]] and [[Lakshadweep]] to [[Kollam]] to make them aware of efficient but cheap medical facilities available here.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2016/oct/25/ferry-service-to-ldweep-to-open-up-new-vistas-1531476.html|title=Ferry service to L'dweep to open up new vistas|date=2016-10-25|access-date=2016-10-25|publisher=TNIE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150915/nation-current-affairs/article/road-show-maldives-attract-tourists-kollam|title=Road show in Maldives to attract tourists to Kollam|date=2015-09-15|access-date=2016-10-26|publisher=TNIE}}</ref>

;Kerala Coastal Highway project
[[File:Port Road UC at Kollam, Oct 2016.jpg|right|thumb|[[Port Road, Kollam|Kollam Port Road]] at [[Tangasseri]]. This road would become part of the coastal highway once materialized]]
The [[Government of Kerala]] has approved a 6,500 crores worth Coastal Highway project for the state. The highway will pass through almost all the major coastal cities in Kerala including [[Kollam]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/kerala%E2%80%99s-623-km-long-coastal-highway-to-be-ready-by-2020-hill-highway-infrastructure-kiifb-1.2254511|title=Kerala's 623-km-long coastal highway to be ready by 2020|date=2017-09-21|access-date=2017-09-22|publisher=Mathrubhumi}}</ref> The coastal highway passes through nine districts of the state, connecting the major ports of [[International Container Transshipment Terminal, Kochi|Vallarpadom]], Kollam, [[Vizhinjam International Seaport|Vizhinjam]] in Kerala along with several minor ports.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/pallikkara-rob-work-to-begin-soon/article19722310.ece|title=Pallikkara ROB work to begin soon|date=2017-09-20|access-date=2017-09-21|work=The Hindu}}</ref>

;Kollam-Colombo ship service

In 2018 October, Senior Director of the Singapore-based X-Press Feeders Group, Nelson Sekera, met the Kerala Minister for Port [[Kadannappalli Ramachandran]] at [[British Residency|Asramam Government Guest House]] and expressed their willingness to start [[Colombo]]-[[Kollam]] ship services. X-Press Feeders is owing nearly 100 ships.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/good-news/colombo-kollam-ship-service-to-become-a-reality-1.3254688|title=Colombo-Kollam ship service to become a reality|date=2018-10-25|access-date=2018-10-26|publisher=Mathrubhumi}}</ref>

== Services available at port ==

Some of the international shipping service providers have already started operations at Kollam Port for facilitating freight transfer to-and-fro Kollam Port, Ship Chandling, Ship Husbandry Services, Ship Spares Logistics, Bunkering Services etc.

== Kollam Inland Port ==
There is an inland terminal of [[Inland Waterways Authority of India]] situated at [[Asramam]] on [[National Waterway 3]] in [[Ashtamudi Lake]]. This port is mainly for handling barges. It has a 30 m RCC jetty for berthing and has an 18 T Mobile Hydraulic Crane and three fork lifts. It has an office space of 100 sq. metres and covered storage space of 280 sq. metres. The total open storage is 3500 sq. metres. It is yet to begin full-fledged commercial operations. This terminal can be connected to sea port through inland waterways at [[Kochupilamoodu]] in [[Kollam Port Road]] through [[Kollam Canal]].

== See also ==

* [[Kollam|City of Kollam]]
* [[Kollam Airport|Kollam Airport(defunct.)]]
* [[Kollam Beach]]
* [[Kollam district]]
* [[Port Kollam Church]]
* [[Port Road, Kollam]]

== References ==

{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160303213028/http://www.keralaports.gov.in/doc/Kollam%20Final%20DFR/Final%20DFR%20Kollam%20Report.pdf Detailed Project Report for the Development of Kollam Port]
{{Kollam |state=expanded}}
{{Cashew business in Kollam |state=collapsed}}

[[Category:History of Kollam]]
[[Category:Ports and harbours of the Arabian Sea]]
[[Category:Ports and harbours of Kerala]]
[[Category:Water transport in Kollam]]
[[Category:Economy of Kollam]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Kollam]]

Kollam Port - Revision history

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