The Hindu Business Line : Tuticorin port move to check bunching of vessels

The Tuticorin Port Trust will permit berthing at a time only for two vessels carrying the same commodity. This is to avoid bunching of vessels at the port. The third vessel carrying the same commodity could be considered for allotment of berth, if the berth is available, according to a trade notice issued by the Tuticorin Port Trust.

In the case of ships carrying copper ore, there is a restriction to allow berthing for only one vessel at a time.

The bunching of vessels carrying the same cargo is resulting in congestion and affecting port productivity and creating logistic problems to port users.

The issue was discussed with representatives of steamer agents and the Tuticorin Stevedores' Association on October 4.

The restriction was implemented last week and would be in effect till December 31, the notice says.

Special levy

The port trust is collecting a special levy of Re 1 per tonne to clean spillage of bulk cargo during transportation in the port area.

The collection is done along with wharfage dues as requested by representatives of Tuticorin Steamer Agents and Tuticorin Stevedores' Association.

The levy is towards cleaning charges of bulk import/export cargoes, including granite blocks and logs but excluding general cargo and machinery.

The levy collection began last week and would be in force till December 31, and would be reviewed thereafter, says the notice.

Port users were asked to contain spillage of cargo during transportation and also to remove the spilled cargo. However, spillage continues unabated and is on the increase, the notice says.