Indian ports open partially after collision

Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), whose navigational channels had been blocked since Saturday by floating and sunk containers from MSC Chitra, have been partially opened for traffic, with ship convoys escorted by naval helicopters and warships with side-sonar equipment, reported The Times of India.

MbPT chaiman Rahul Asthana said small and medium ships were allowed to use the channel, while JNPT chairman N N Kumar added it will take another eight days for the channel to be fully operational. That means bigger ships will have to wait.

There are 20 other ships waiting at MbPT and JNPT while the rest have been diverted to other ports.

Chief of staff of the western naval command, vice-admiral Pradeep Chauhan, said, "The Navy is escorting the ships in and out of the harbour. We have told port officials to select ships which have cargo criticially important for the city and the overall economy of the country. Our side-sonar equipped ships, helicopters and warships will be escorting them."

The convoy of merchant ships is being escorted by a helicopter providing aerial coverage while a minesweeper ship along with two survey boats are ensuring the convoy can pass.
(Source:www.cargonewsasia.com)