The Kandla Port Trust has put an additional berth under the "priority group" for the vessels committing 4,500 tonnes-break bulk output per day. This will benefit the rice shipments and also in meeting export commitments.
According to the Kandla Port Trust, the revised berthing policy would act as a benchmark for port users. The policy would also ensure that the whole system is geared up to meet challenges and improve performance, the trust added.
Moreover, the berthing policy also prompts the exporters to charter vessels in good condition, improving the productivity of the port.
The successful berthing policy changes implemented in 2001 had encouraged higher productivity at the port and resulted in an increase of 33 per cent in dry cargo traffic at 11.12 million tonnes handled during 2001-2002 against 8.33 million tonnes during 2000-2001.