Deadlock on denotification of 11 jetties

Kakinada, Jun 2 (UNI) The Deadlock over the customs authorities' decision to denotify 11 jetties as against the total of 26 jetties under the ISPS code continued, leading to vessels touching the old anchorage port made to wait for days to load the cargo or discharge imported fertilisers.

The talks ended in a deadlock, as many shippers were opposed to the idea of imposing restrictions on the number of ships to be handled daily, saying they would be put to heavy loss if they failed to fulfill the export orders' commitment. They wanted the usage of all the 26 jetties at least till June end, so that exports and imports commitment could be fulfilled.

Kakinada Clearing and Forwarding Agents Association President V Sarma told UNI that divergent views were expressed at the joint meeting today, held under the aegis of the Kakinada Chamber of commerce, in the presence of the Port Officer.

Port officer captain Diwakar suggested restricting the vessels to six for exports and two for imports daily till the government's orders on diversion of urea to Deep-water port are received.

However, majority of the representatives of the shipping trade and workers unions differed with the port officer's idea.

UNI XC VA VV SR BST2041