The Cochin Port Trust is planning to set up a fourth cement terminal in Willingdon Island. The Trust's move is in response to cater to the overwhelming response from major players in the industry.    

The planned fourth terminal is coming up on 3.19 hectares of leased land at the north end of Mattanchery wharf on the island. Showcasing a handling capacity of 10 lakh tonne, the Port authorities have invited tender for the same.    

The CPT authorities said that the interest shown by companies to set up and operate terminals indicates a positive change in attitude towards investment in the port sector, especially in Kochi. It may be noted that there has not been any strike or work interruption at the port during the last three years.    

Leading cement producing company Zuari Cements had won the bid to develop the third cement-handling terminal at the CPT. The company quoted an amount of Rs 50 crore in the auction to get the third terminal coming up on 2.14 hectares of land near the Q5 berth of Ernakulam Wharf. It also has to pay an annual fee of Rs 66 lakh to the Port Trust.