Kochi, Oct 27 : The Cochin Port Trust (CPT) has embarked on a comprehensive Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation programme to be christened as 'E-Thuramukham'.

N Ramachandran, the Chairman of the CPT, recently launched 'E-Thuramukham' at a function that was attended by trade union representatives and employees.

“By implementation of E-Thuramukham, Cochin will become the first major port in India to work on a fully integrated computerised system,” said Ramachandran.

The project based on SAP platform is customized for the Cochin Port Trust by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and will be completed in of ten months, he added.

This programme is to implement a fully Integrated Port Information System (iPINS) using a SAP – based ERP which will help the Port to improve its business processes and work practices, its operations, management and service.

In view of the business imperatives, international trade compulsions, the port has decided to go in for a total and integrated IT solution.

The port is integrating its operational, financial, estate and human resource systems through this project, this will have real time interface with customs, port users, banks and the port community system of the Indian Ports Association.

The system will provide single window facility to the trade for filing applications, receiving service bills, payments and enquiries.

The port is using satellite-imaging system for monitoring the geographical aspects of the port and E-Thuramukham will meet the expectations of global standards of service to the shipping and export and import community.

Famous as an all-weather natural port, it is located strategically close to the busiest international sea routes from the Gulf to Singapore and Europe to the Far East circuits.

During 2006-07, Cochin Port handled an all time high throughput of 15.31 million MTs of cargo, registering an increase of 10.28 per cent over the previous year (throughput during 2005-06 was - 13.88 million MTs).

Container traffic during the period was 2,26,808 TEUs as against 2,03,112 TEUs handled during 2005-06 marked a growth of 11.82 per cent.

This year altogether 38 cruise ships visited the Port bringing over 16,000 passengers. Cochin has had the distinction of hosting the largest number of cruise ships among all Indian Ports. (ANI)