PANJIM: Mormugao Port Trust (MPT), which allowed the naphtha-laden ship Nu-Shi Nalini to berth at the port, has continued to blame everyone except itself.
Herald last week reported how MPT allowed the ship to berth without a blue print of how the dangerous oil would be transported.
The Port also did not oppose the owner’s move to transfer naphtha by trucks, which could have posed danger to lives of thousands of people if not lakhs.
The paper has now accessed documents, which state that MPT, instead of taking the blame, has accused Customs for delaying the transfer of cargo.
MPT, in a letter dated 19/09/2019 to the South Goa District Collector, has also rejected all allegations stating the owner had permission from Director General of Shipping for towing the vessel.
The complainants had alleged that the ship had come for repairs but it never started, to this the MPT Deputy Conservator Capt Manoj Joshi says, “The repair work was supposed to start after the discharge of contaminated cargo, which requires Customs permission, but till date cargo was not discharged, hence repair work could not be started.”
It further says, “The accusations against port are false and baseless as port is only facilitator for berthing of the vessel. Permission for discharge of cargo is looked after by the Customs.”
On the condition of vessel, the port said: “The vessel is safe and stable.”
MPT has also stated that the port has consent to operate the cargo and all required safety measures are in place.
“It is unwarranted that the applicant has questioned the decision of the port. The port is ISO Certified Port and adopts the highest standard of professionalism in its operation,” Capt Joshi said.
Based on a complaint by Goa First, the South Goa Collector had asked MPT to reply whether all procedures laid by DG Shipping have been complied with for the vessel and whether disaster management is in place to tackle any untoward incident.
