Team Goemkarponn
MORMUGAO: The Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) on Saturday resumed port operations after a suspension lasting over 60 hours, following a cyclone formation alert issued earlier this week.
Operations had been halted in response to a cyclone formation reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) along the North Karnataka and Goa coast on May 21. In line with safety protocols, the MPA had issued a circular directing all ocean-going vessels to sail out to sea and comply with the standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure port and navigation safety.
“Under the influence of a cyclonic formation, a low-pressure area was likely to form in the region. In view of the prevailing weather conditions and in the interest of port and navigation safety, the MPA ceased all port operations. All ocean-going vessels were advised to sail out to sea as a precautionary measure and would be re-berthed once the weather improves. Un-berthing and berthing charges during this period will be borne by the MPA,” stated the circular.
With the weather situation improving, the MPA recalled all vessels back to port, and cargo handling operations resumed smoothly.
While the SOP was followed in the interest of safety, sources said that the suspension reportedly caused inconvenience to several stakeholders, including shipping agents, stevedores, and ship operators.
