Cochin Port has increased prices for LPG vessels berthing at MULT Jetty. Indian Oil Corporation has strongly opposed the rise in charges pointing at the draft which sometimes is below 13 metres and lack of firefighting facilities. IOC officials said the oil major plans to bring around 80,000 GRT vessels to the jetty, but lack of basic amenities is holding it back.
Cochin Port has decided to implement independent charges for the LPG vessels berthing at MULT Jetty based on the guidelines from the Shipping Ministry. Most of the vessels are having the 30,000-50,000 GRT range for which an 8 per cent increase in port dues has been proposed.
Port officials have pointed at the rising dredging costs which have gone beyond Rs.50 Cr as one of the basic reasons for planning the hike in charges at MULT Jetty.
