ISO 14001-2004, EMS SURVEILLANCE AUDIT

Tuticorin Port was the first Port in India to obtain ISO 9001:1994 certification in February, 1996. The Port switched over to improved ISO 9001:2000 in April, 2000. In order to improve the environment of the Port, the Port has started to implement Environment Management System (EMS) conforming to ISO 14001:2004.

Tuticorin Port Trust is committed to continually improve its Environment Management System which will enhance the efficacy and sustainability of its Quality Management System. The Port was certified under ISO 14001:2004 by Indian Register of Quality System (IRQS, Chennai) on 16th September, 2005 subject to the satisfactory maintenance of the EMS of the Port. Tuticorin Port was the second Port after Vizag Port to get EMS Certification ; however Tuticorin Port is the first Indian Port to get EMS Certificate in new Standard ISO 14001 : 2004 Certification. The primary objectives of the EMS were to reduce consumption of fuel and water by more than 2% and consumption of electricity by more than 2½%. The Port was able to reduce consumption of fuel and electricity by 4.64% and 6.19% and save an amount of nearly Rs.37.90 lakhs during 2005-06.

For continuation of the certification, surveillance audit is to be conducted once in a year. The first Surveillance Audit for the current year was conducted on 30/8/2006 & 31/8/2006. After inspection of all areas under the scope of EMS, the Auditors from IRQS, Chennai have recommended for continuation of EMS 14001: 2004 Certification.

Shri N.K.Raghupathy, I.A.S., Chairman, Port Trust has stated the above in a Press Release issued today.

Source: TPT