Shipping ministry issues new guidelines for ports

Chennai:

In a bid to promote coastal shipping and to reduce pressure on rail
and road transport systems, Union government has issued new guidelines
for ports giving preference to dry bulk and cargo vessels.

Under the new guidelines, ports will now have to give priority
berthing to dry bulk or general cargo coastal vessels irrespective of
the origin and final destination.

The guidelines were approved by the Minister of Shipping Nitin Gadkari.

The guidelines also provide for concessional port charges whether the
vessel is berthed on priority basis or on normal basis.

The ports have also been asked to earmark exclusive berths and green
channel for coastal cargo to promote the sector.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the
development of an additional liquid bulk terminal at Jawaharlal Nehru
Port Trust (JNPT). The estimated total cost would be Rs 2496 crore.
The award would be on highest 'Royalty' basis.