DPA asks ship agents to ensure cargo holds are ready for loading, seeks fitness certificate
Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) has issued a circular stating that ship agents must ensure cargo holds are ready for loading and to submit a fitness certificate BEFORE the vessel is considered for berthing.
This comes after it was noted that the readiness of ships to load export cargo is being conveyed without checking or confirming that their hold or tanks are ready to load the cargo. This has resulted in delays in the cargo commencement after berthing and idling of vessels at berth, as well as pre-berthing delays for other waiting vessels at anchorage.
Failure to comply with these requirements will result in the agents/|ships/owners being held responsible for any delay or idling of vessel at berth. The port may charge penalty or any financial consequences arising if the vessel is shifted and if the ship’s tanks or hatches are rejected after berthing and vessel idling.
However, the trade/agents’ association has taken up the matter of the circular and its non-acceptance or other measures or amendments, as it is not practically possible for vessels to accurately confirm hatch/hold readiness in advance. If the circular is implemented, there is the possibility that every export vessel may have to conduct advance tank inspection at anchorage/OTB to be sure that vessel is ready in all respects prior giving the hatch fitness certificate, resulting in tug hire charges/or any other statutory charges required for conducting Customs clearance at anchorage/surveyors boarding at anchorage for tank inspection.
The outcome of the trade meeting with the port authorities on the matter will be intimated once available, informed a communique.
Source: Exim News Service: Gandhidham, Aug. 1