Beypore port
Beypore port is a sub-port of Kozhikode port and is approximately 10 km (6.2 mi) south of Kozhikode. The land for the port was acquired from Beypore Karippa Puthiyakovilakam in 1963 and 1964. It is an estuarine port, where Beypore river discharges into the Arabian Sea. Beypore is 180 km (110 mi) North of Cochin and 391 km (243 mi) away from Trivandrum. Beypore port is the second biggest port in Kerala after Cochin and currently handles about 100,000 tonnes of cargo and 7500 passengers per annum. The nearest ports are Kochi and Mangalore. Now the port has a depth of about 5 metres (16 ft) alongside wharf and approach channel and it is proposed to be developed in stages and utilities like storage shed, cranes and tugs are already installed. Beypore port is one of the oldest ports in Kerala from where trading was done to the Middle East.
Beypore Port is located on the south western coast of India, midway between the two major ports of Cochin & New Mangalore. Beypore was well known its crafting of huge wooden boats called ‘uru’. Boats built here were used on the sea routs to Arab countries. Beypore is the second biggest port in the state with respect to the annual cargo and passenger throughout next Cochin Port. The port handles an average of 1.25 lakh tons of cargo and 10000 passengers annually mainly to and from Lakshadweep Islands.
Infrastructure
1.Wharf: 150m and 160m each
2. Depth: 3.5 metres to 4 metres augmenting to 5 metres by dredging
3. Entrance Channel width: Outer approximately 150 meters
4. Depth at entrance channel: metres
5. Basin area: Approximately 200 hectares
6. Port area: 50 acres
7. Transit Shed: 1 No. 1606 sq.mts.
8. Yard (Stack):
(a) 155 meters x 42 meters old wharf
(b) 160 meters & 150 meters new wharf
9. Godowns: 2 closed, 1 open
10. Weigh Bridge Available (100 Tons)
11. Fenders Available
12. Channel Marking Buoys Available
13. CCTV surveillance Available
14. Pilot Available on request
15. Fresh Water Supply Available
Economic Importance
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- Trade and Commerce:
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- Facilitates the export of goods like furniture, timber, and seafood.
- Supports coastal shipping and trade within India.
- Shipbuilding:
- Renowned for its traditional shipbuilding industry, particularly the construction of Urus for the Middle Eastern market.
- Uru construction is a unique craft that combines traditional knowledge and modern techniques.
- Employment:
- Provides direct and indirect jobs in shipping, fishing, and the shipbuilding sectors.
Development Initatives
- The Government of Kerala has undertaken various modernization efforts to enhance the port’s cargo handling capacity and infrastructure.
- Focus areas include dredging, improving storage facilities, and adding modern equipment.
Tourism
- Beypore is a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage.
- Visitors can explore:
- The traditional Uru construction yards.
- The Beypore Beach.
- Nearby attractions such as the Chaliyar River and Kozhikode city.
Current Status
- Category: Minor Port
- Managed by the Government of Kerala.
- Primarily handles coastal shipping and cargo operations.
- Major imports include steel and raw materials, while exports focus on timber and furniture.