Mumbai harbour opens for traffic partially

Partial operations have resumed at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and Mumbai Port Trust, where movement of ships was suspended following a collision between two cargo vessels.

Nearly six ships comprising four from the Mumbai Port and two from Jawaharlal Nehru Port were piloted out of the Mumbai channel by the Indian Navy. Similarly, nine ships waiting to reach these two ports were also escorted by it.

Traffic in the Mumbai channel had come to a halt when two merchant vessels MSC Chitra and MV Khailijia III had collided off the Mumbai coast on Saturday.

Union Shipping Minister G K Vasan, who along with Petroleum Minister Murli Deora held meeting with Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, told reporters that necessary efforts were being made by the central and state governments and their respective agencies to restore normalcy in the Mumbai channel and at Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port.

Prima facie, Vasan said the collision took place due to communication and navigation gaps. However, more details would be known once the director general of shipping completes inquiry.

Deora made it clear that there was no shortage of auto fuel or petroleum products due to the spill and subsequent closure of operations at two ports. He said oil marketing companies were prepared to tackle any situation and there was no need to worry.

Vasan said partial traffic was restored after a survey was carried out by the Indian Coast Guard on August 11.

On claiming damages, Maharashtra Environment Minister Suresh Shetty said those would be routed through the Indian Coast Guard. “The damages will be recovered from the shipping company,” he added.