As many as 38 trainees who were inducted into the BMCT team since August this year have successfully completed several phases of extensive training. Guided by BMCT's experienced trainers and PSA's seasoned experts, the trainees, who were all recruited from BMCT's local area, will be returning shortly from training at PSA's Chennai International Terminals. Before going to Chennai, they spent over two weeks in class-room training at BMCT. Training is supplemented with further classroom instruction and time spent on BMCT's equipment simulator. During their time in Chennai, the trainees worked in a live, operating terminal and were able to experience conditions similar to when BMCT starts operations.

'Our exposure to live port operations in Chennai was an eye opener, exposing us to various practical aspects of cargo handling. Post our return, we will be working on the state-of-the-art equipment recently commissioned at BMCT. The overall experience has been both enriching and rewarding,' said Bhawna Bhoir, Trainee at BMCT. 'Apart from other aspects, there was a large focus on quality control. Our training programme has now enabled and empowered me to handle cranes on my own,' added Abhijeet Kadu. Suresh Amirapu, CEO, BMCT, said, 'As we prepare for the start of BMCT's Phase 1 at year end, we are pleased with the progress our trainees are making. We are working closely alongside JNPT and the relevant authorities to ensure a smooth start-up of the operations.'

BMCT has received the first tranche of its container handling equipment in preparation for commencement of operations. A total of six Super Post-Panamax quay cranes, 18 rubber-tyred gantry cranes, four rail-mounted gantry cranes and support equipment have already been delivered to the terminal and commissioning is nearing completion.