Vallarpadam Terminal in Kochi is in the limelight with increasing number of international apparel brands using terminal facilities for their export needs. For example, apparel brand Diesel, which sources from vendors in Tirupur and Bengaluru, has already started utilising the international container transshipment terminal for importing goods into Europe.
Many other western brands having vendor base in south India, are now showing interest in utilizing the facility to fulfill their sourcing needs. Till now, these brands imported goods from Chennai and Tuticorin ports, often leading to delays in shipments. Also, importing from Kochi terminal is not only effective in terms of timely shipments but also turning out to be cheaper, as there is a saving of at least five-seven days to Europe over the normal transit time from other ports. The faster trade facility from Kochi became possible because of direct/mainline shipping services to Europe.
The presence of container freight stations is another additional advantage for apparel brands because of the features like labelling, bar coding and product inspection for garment businesses. The terminal is looking forward to achieving initial business of 250-300 TEUs in a month alone from garment business.
