Port Blair, Nov 15: The A&N Administration had identified a suitable sea area approximately 22 nautical miles north of Port Blair for offshore transshipment involving Ship to Ship transfer of liquid and bulk cargo. This area was notified as ‘Port Meadow’ in the year 2016 by the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India. A successful Ship to Ship transfer trial run was also carried out under the supervision of the Port Management Board in January 2018 involving all agencies including the Customs and Immigration.
Now vide Notification dated 8th November 2018, the office of Customs (Ports) Kolkata has declared ‘Port Meadow’ as ‘Custom Area’ clearing way for commencement of formal operations involving ship to ship transfer of cargo at Port Meadows.
In the days to come the operationalization of Port Meadow will not only accrue financial benefits to the A&N Islands but will also create new job opportunities for the Islanders besides enhancing trade with South East Asian countries.
The operation of cargo loading and unloading at port meadow will boost the economy of a & n island to a great extend.Port meadow may be a icon for the trasloading operation in India in the days ahead.we appreciate the gestures of the authority.