The Cochin Port Authority (CoPA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Oil India (OIL) to establish a shore base facility supporting offshore oil exploration in the Kerala-Konkan Basin. The agreement was formalised at a ceremony held at CoPA, Willingdon Island, on 12 June 2025, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.

Under the partnership, Cochin Port will provide critical logistics infrastructure for OIL’s offshore drilling operations, expected to begin later in 2025. The planned shore base will include a dedicated warehouse, dry bulk handling plant, and an exclusive jetty to support 24/7 vessel operations.

The facility is intended to streamline offshore support services such as berthing, refuelling, dry bulk transfer, potable water supply, and shore power connectivity. This collaboration reinforces Cochin Port’s role as a key node in India’s energy logistics chain and supports OIL’s efforts to tap promising reserves in the Kerala-Konkan offshore block.

The MoU is initially valid for 12 months from June 2025, with provisions for extension based on the project’s progress. Environmental safeguards and operational safety will be prioritised throughout the project. OIL has committed to deploying eco-friendly and low-noise equipment in line with port and state environmental regulations.

This strategic initiative is expected to strengthen infrastructure-driven support for India’s growing offshore energy ambitions.

News source: PIB