JN Port has
lifted the restriction of maximum allowable draft for
the vessels calling at the Port. The maximum allowable
draft was reduced to 11.2 to11.8 metres since July
26,2006 due to siltation of the Mumbai Harbour Channel.
This has now been restored to 12 to12.5 meters with
immediate effect and has been communicated to shipping
lines/shipping agents by a circular issued by the Marine
Department.
The declared draft at JN Port is 12.5 metres. On
completion the proposed project of deepening & widening
of channel, JN Port would handle vessels upto 14 metres
draft (container vessels with capacity of 6000 TEUs)
using tidal window after the first phase of dredging.
The first phase is likely to commence by January 2007
and would be completed by April, 2009. Till then
vessels with 12.5 mtrs draft would be handled at JN
Port.
JNPT ALLOWS 13.0 MTR DRAFT
Sept 1,2006
Taking advantage of the super high
tides, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust allowed MV GLASGOW
MAERSK to load up to 13.0 metres draft on 11.9.2006.
Finally she sailed with 12.9 metres draft because of
insufficient volume of cargo. JNPT will have no stone
unturned in helping the trade to handle maximum volume
provided the safety parameters fixed by the Marine
Department on the basis of international guidelines on
ship handling and mooring are not compromised and proper
planning in respect of scheduling of vessels is
maintained, according to Capt BS Kumar, Deputy
Conservator Incharge.
