Tuticorin Port proves mettle in anchorage operations

With the handling of m.v. Elpida S, Tuticorin Port has commenced its anchorage operations and proved its potential to handle deep-draught vessels that need over 10.7-metre draught at anchorage, says a press release issued by the Tuticorin Port Trust (TPT).

Availing of the new facility offered by the Port, Seapol Shipping Pvt. Ltd, Tuticorin, nominated a collier, m.v. Elpida S, with a parcel of 53,106 tonnes of coal, which arrived with a draught of 12.46 m on August 10.

The Port thus successfully handled its first coal vessel from August 10 to 12.

The Indonesian coal was imported by Coastal Energy, Chennai. The lighterage operation was effected by deploying two self-propelled barges of 1,000-tonne and 1,200-tonne capacities. After successful lightering of about 8,720 tonnes of cargo, the vessel reached the permissible draught of 10.7 m and berthed alongside VOC Berth No.III for full and final discharge of cargo.

On successful completion of both anchorage and alongside operations, the collier sailed off on August 16.

The introduction of anchorage operations at Tuticorin Port saves the ‘dead freight’ payable to vessels calling at the Port and facilitates handling of Panamax vessels without any pre-berthing detention.

TPT had planned to handle deep-draught vessels at the anchorage, subject to certain conditions, which were amplified in a ‘trade notice’ dated July 5 and supplemented with an earlier notice dated March 22.