KOCHI:
The Nautical Institute (London) India SW Branch awarded a certificate of appreciation to Dr. M. Beena, Chairperson, Cochin Port Trust for the tremendous efforts of Cochin Port in carrying out crew change of Indian seafarers in Cochin Port. The certificate was presented by Capt. Tom Joseph
(President) and Capt. Vinod Naveen (Secretary). Capt. J.J. Alapat, Deputy Conservator, Cochin Port Trust was present.
Chairperson, Cochin Port Trust, stated that the crew change in the Covid-19 scenario was possible thanks to the cooperation of all the concerned agencies such as the Customs, Bureau of Immigration, Port Health Organisation, District Administration and Health Authorities and the Steamer Agents by implementing the guidelines of the DG Shipping and Ministry of Home Affairs.
Chairperson also stated that the great response by the shipping industry to choose to call Cochin Port is a sign of confidence in the port. Among the many ships that have called at Cochin anchorage for crew change have included three of the largest ships in the world with container carrying capacities of over 20000 TEUs.
The ability of Cochin Port to carry out crew changes of over 5000 seafarers from almost 300 ships since the lockdown in March without any incident till date despite the onset of the monsoons is a great credit to all stakeholders including the tug operators who are carrying out these operations in difficult conditions. Cochin Port is committed to the welfare of Indian Seafarers during the current pandemic and to offer its services to world shipping in these difficult times.
