It is learnt that this board is being constituted and the regulations are yet to be formulated and it will have more powers in deciding development plans for minor ports. The budget had mentioned that new minor ports in locations such as Mahabalipuram, Thondi and Korkai would be developed. The power project was also part of the budget announcement. The specifications of the Mahabalipuram port will be decided, based on the requirements of the Cheyyur plant. The name is right out of history books and ancient literature and it is thought that it may have a different name these days.
Efforts are on to identify the location through the Archaeology department, it is learnt.
As for the development strategy for minor ports, the State Ports Department is not for building lighterage ports which will be too expensive in terms of operations. The time taken for lightering is higher and working at night is restricted, leading to longer port stay and higher costs. Wherever physical constraints such as low draught do not exist, the idea would be to go in for facilities that can receive 8,000 to 10,000 tonne vessels with lighterage port being the last option. Specific studies carried out on existing ports include an expansion of the shipbreaking facilities at the minor port of Valinokkam. Vessels of up to 3,000 tonnes are being broken here now, it is learnt, and even with elementary dredging, the port can receive 10,000 tonners.