PANAJI
The Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) has launched an investigation into Delta Infra Logistics Worldwide (DILW) after observing irregularities while handling a recent gypsum cargo in the port. Sources said that Goa Customs has also issued a fine to DILW for Rs 15,000 during the handling of the same shipment of 19,998 Metric Tons of gypsum cargo that arrived at MPA.
According to documents available from MPA sources, a mail was sent to DILW by the Traffic Department issuing a seven-day notice as to why no action should be taken against the company.
“A breach of norms and rules in practice has been noticed because all dry bulk cargo (except containers, break bulk and bagged cargo) arriving and dispatched from the port require mandatory weighment before export or delivery,” stated the MPA.
“However, you have loaded the barge without carrying out the weighment, which is a revenue loss to the Port, thereby leading to the breach of the norms and rules in practice. Please revert within seven days as to why no action should be taken against you as per the relevant clause of the stevedoring regulation in force," the MPA’s email added.
Sources have further added that the MPA also wrote a confidential email to the Assistant Commissioner of Customs stating a breach of norms observed by DILW in taking delivery of cargo without the use of a weighbridge.
DILW replies
DILW has replied to the MPA email to explain its side of the issue.
"We normally load cargo into the barge alongside the vessel, but since the customs clearance was not obtained, we could not load the barge during the vessel's stay, and the same cargo was moved to the plot upon vessel completion,” stated DILW.
“There were other cargoes being handled at the port weighbridge during that time, and to avoid delays in completing the barge loading, we loaded the cargo without carrying out the weighment. However, we have conducted the draft survey after the completion of the barge loading, which serves as evidence to ascertain the cargo quantity," said the email reply from DILW.
