Govt asks major ports to waive all charges for ships carrying oxygen, related equipment
The authorities on Sunday stated it has directed all major ports to waive all charges for ships carrying oxygen and related equipment amid an enormous surge in COVID-19 infections throughout the nation. In an announcement, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways stated it has directed all major ports to accord the very best precedence within the berthing sequence to the vessels carrying consignments of Medical Grade Oxygen, Oxygen Tanks, Oxygen Bottles, Portable Oxygen Generators and Oxygen Concentrators.
“In view of the excessive requirement of Oxygen and related equipment in the country, the Government of India has directed all Major Ports, including the Kamarajar Port Limited, to waive-off all charges levied by Major Port Trusts (including vessel-related charges, storage charges, etc.),” the assertion stated.
Port chairpersons have been requested to personally supervise logistic operations to guarantee unhindered motion of such consignments for berthing of such vessel on high precedence within the port, unloading of oxygen-related cargo, coordination with Customs and different authorities for speedy clearance/ documentation and expeditious evacuation, it additional stated.
“We are facing an emergency situation due to the second wave of COVID-19. The major ports will start implementing the direction from today onwards,” a senior authorities official stated.
In case, the vessel is carrying different cargo/containers as well as to the above stated oxygen-related cargo, waiver of charges on a pro-rata foundation, contemplating the general cargo or containers dealt with on the port, needs to be offered for oxygen-related cargo to such vessels, the assertion stated.
It additionally famous that the Ports Ministry will monitor the small print of such vessels, cargo and time taken within the port from the time vessel entered within the port limits to exit of cargo from port gate.
