New Delhi: The Fertilizers & Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT), a PSU under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, has started using coastal shipping as a new mode of transport for the movement of fertilizers to the East and the West coasts of the country. FACT's Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) Kishor Rungta and Cochin Port Trust's Chairperson Dr Beena (IAS) jointly flagged off the movement of the first batch of containers with 560 MT Ammonium Sulphate in a function held at FACT Udyogamandal Complex, Eloor on July 28. The Ship "SSL Visakhapatnam" is expected to sail with this load on July 30 from Cochin Port.

A total of 20 containers of Ammonium Sulphate will be dispatched to Haldia Port for distribution to farmers in West Bengal. FACT is getting active support of Cochin Port Trust in this endeavour. Fertilizers moved through coastal shipping will be carried out further by trains to reach the required destination.

Cochin Port Trust's Deputy Chairman AK Mehera, Traffic Manager Vipin R Menoth, Advisor to Cochin Port Trust Gautam Gupta, and  FACT's Chief General Manager (Marketing) Anil Raghavan were also present on the occasion.

They said shipping of fertilizers through sea route shall ease the pressure on movement of fertilizers by rail and road to a great extent, especially during the tough time of COVID- 19 pandemic. Coastal Shipping shall also help to ensure regular supplies to farmers in coastal states.

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