Fixed window system, albeit a very common practice worldwide, was challenging to implement at Kolkata and Haldia dock. This has caused lack of certainty in connecting mainline vessels from transhipment ports due to which esteemed exporters continued to experience a delay in the arrival of their goods at the destination point.
Eden channel (consistent and higher draft dedicated to Haldia port) strengthened by integrated container terminal operations by HICT has given the confidence to the Port authorities to consider the trade’s demand to offer fixed berthing window facility.
On 25th August 2017, Haldia Dock authority announced an official policy for fixed window facility to benefit exporters, importers, shipping lines and feeder operators.
In order to streamline the arrival / sailing of container vessels and to reduce the turnaround time, ‘Fixed Berthing Window’ facility has been extended to container vessels which will exclusively call at Haldia Dock Complex provided they have a minimum exchange of 600 Teus per call. Feeder operators interested in this facility shall submit their proposals stating their preferred berthing window as well as expected volume.
Shipping lines with connectivity from Tran-shipment ports such as Vizag, Krishnapatnam, Colombo, Singapore and Port Klang will be keen to utilise this opportunity to avoid port demurrages as well as efficient use of available capacity on their mother vessels