Date:30/01/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/01/30/stories/2007013000770700.htm

Back Kolkata port urges DCI to deploy new type of dredger

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Kolkata Jan. 29 The Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) is in favour of deployment of a new type of dredger, preferably the cutter-suction type, to improve the navigability of the Hooghly River and has accordingly urged Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) for the needful.

The port's view was conveyed to the DCI Chairman at a meeting held here recently. Since a cutter suction dredger is not readily available with DCI, the public sector dredging company will be required to initiate steps for its acquisition, it is learnt.

It might be noted that DCI, which is entrusted with the job of maintenance dredging in the Hooghly, currently deploys five of its dredgers for undertaking the job. The KoPT, being not so sure if increasing their number will be of any help, is believed to have expressed itself in favour of maintaining the strength at the present level.

Proposals to DCI

Among other proposals believed to have been mooted by the port authorities to DCI included replacement of the two of the dredgers currently deployed in the river and readjustments of the dredging schedules.

These two dredgers, Dredge V and Dredge VI, being very old (1974-built) cannot perform satisfactorily and, therefore, must be replaced. In fact the port authorities have been demanding their replacement for quite some time. DCI, however, indicated that their replacement might not be possible because of the high cost. The cost of similar types of dredgers, having gone up very high, their hiring charge too skyrocketed, it was pointed out. Attempts, therefore, would be made to improve their performance through retrofitting.

Dredging schedules

As for the readjustment of dredging schedules, the KoPT's view is that dredging at Auckland, where the depth of the river has dropped sharply, must be intensified, if necessary, by paying a little less attention to dredging at Jellingham, another dredging point in the river.

The issue of renewal of the dredging contract between the KoPT and DCI also came up for a review. The tenure of the present five-year contract is to expire by March 31. The new dredging programmes under revised terms and conditions will be incorporated in the new contract, it is further learnt.

Meanwhile, the Shipping Ministry has convened a technical meeting on dredging and dredgers on January 31 at Chennai.