The shipping community in Kochi is keeping its fingers crossed over the recent hike in tariff at Kochi port, which has pushed prices beyond those at ports in the neighbourhood as well as other major ports in the country, reported The Hindu.

           Sources in the shipping circles here pointed out that the Kochi port is charging US$9,994 to handle a vessel of 5,000 GRT for a five-day stay in the port whereas the rates at Tuticorin, Mangalore and Kandla are $3,511, $3,675 and $4,950, respectively. 

           The hike in tariffs, which included port dues, pilotage and berth hire, had also resulted in low arrivals of cargo other than containers at the port in the last few months.