Kolkatta shuts port to box ships until congestion cleared

THE breakdown of 22 yard shunters and 13 reach stackers at the Port of Kolkata (Calcutta) has led to a backlog of 5,700 import containers and the closure of the port to containerships until October 17.

Containerships will discharge cargo at the nearby Haldia port in the meantime. Local shippers are hard hit as "export cargo is being held back to clear the import backlog", said report the UK's Handy Shipping Guide, adding that warehouses are full, a situation aggravated by the cargo being held for outstanding demurrage charges.

Port customers blame the port authority's indifference to deteriorating facilities, infrastructure and equipment. "They knew this was coming. Nothing has been done to improve conditions despite complaints," said one unnamed source.

Source: www.schednet.com