The Paradip Port Trust has warned the Paradip Port Dumper Owners’ Association of stern action for disruption of transportation of limestone from the port’s Multi Purpose Berth (MPB).
A compromise meeting on the issue which was supposed to be held at the Jagatsinghpur Collector’s office has been postponed.
In a strongly-worded letter, the port’s Traffic Manager has told the association that the nonperformance of the duties and responsibilities entrusted by the Seaway Shipping & logistics ltd has been viewed seriously by the port management as it seriously affects the port and its customers.
“Paradip Port authorities will take appropriate action as would be deemed fit in completing the job of intra-port transportation of the limestone so landed from the vessel MV Prabhu Gopal by the importer Jindal Steel and Power ltd,” the letter added.
The JSPl has imported 51,000 tonnes of lime through the MV Prabhu Gopal vessel. The cargo was offloaded at the MPB of the port’s backup area. The Seaway Shipping & logistics ltd is the stevedoring agent of the consignment. The cargo needs to be cleared by the dumpers working in the area. However, the association declined to complete the job with arguments which hold no ground. “Your contention that after you provide dumpers the drivers and helpers are not working does not hold good. As representatives of Dumper Owners’ Association, you have to monitor the functioning of dumpers and their drivers or helpers,” the letter said.
The port authorities have already informed the Competition Commission of India and other Government authorities regarding the issue.