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V. Sajeev Kumar

Kochi, May 28 The Water Transport Workers Federation of India has questioned the order of the Director General of Shipping in banning foreign cargo vessels of over 25 years age and gas carriers of over 30 years from sailing in Indian waters. With the implementation of the order, the number of foreign ships entering into Indian waters would be restricted and there would be reduction in the job opportunities to Indian seafarers, Mr T. Narendra Rao, General Secretary of the Federation, said.

With the firm trend in freight rates for oil and natural gas (it has gone up by about $5 per tonne recently), there is a problem in getting adequate freight space.

The age norms prescribed by the DG (Shipping) would lead to further reduction in availability of vessels. When that happens, the freight rates will shoot up, he added.

The immediate impact of the order will be reduction in handling the cargoes at major ports, thereby affecting the throughput of individual ports.

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