FACT Engineering Works launches new barge from Palluruthy yard

FACT Engineering Works (FEW), the fabrication division of feriliser company FACT, has launched a new barge from its yard at Palluruthy.

This is the first time that the public sector fertiliser company is constructing a barge which is part of its diversification plan. The vessel is to be used for transporting liquified ammonia from FACT’s ammonia storage facility at Willingdon Island and also from its ammonia plant at Udyogmandal to its Ambalamedu unit.

With the commissioning of the new barge, FACT is currently having two barges, each with a capacity to transport about 200 tonnes of ammonia per trip which will go a long way in easing FACT’s ammonia movement.

The company has recently re-started the production of ammonia as imported ammonia is no longer a viable option for the cash-starved company. To meet the production requirements, the firm needs 800 tonnes per day for its Udyogamandal and Ambalamugal units. It had stopped ammonia production in September last year.

The basic design of the new barge was carried out by Cochin University of Science and Technology, while the ammonia bullets and associated piping were designed by FACT Engineering and Design Organization (FEDO) which is the design and consultancy division.