Mundra gets ban on ships over 25 years old

A letter to agents from the Port Operation Center at Mundra Port & SEZ Ltd states: “In light of MV Rak Carrier sinking off the coast of Mumbai and the resulting pollution, which is now threatening the Mumbai coastline, the state maritime regulator GMB has decided to ban entry of ships over 25 years of age. The formal notification to this effect will be issued shortly by GMB. GMB has however advised MPSEZ that ships of 25 years of age which have already been chartered and are proceeding to GMB administered ports will be permitted to enter GMB owned port after they have taken clearance from GMB on case to case basis as an interim measure. It is however to be noted that no new chartering of vessel over 25 years old is to be henceforth carried out if the vessels are planning to work cargo at any GMB owned port. Such vessels will be banned from entering GMB administered port.