Amid an unprecedented oxygen shortage due to COVID-19 crisis, the Government of India has directed all major ports to waive off all charges levied by major port trusts, for ships carrying oxygen and related equipment, including vessel-related charges, storage charges, etc.
The Government has also asked the ports to accord the highest priority in berthing sequence to consignments related to oxygen, and more specifically:
- Medical Grade Oxygen,
- Oxygen Tanks,
- Oxygen Bottles,
- Portable Oxygen Generators,
- Oxygen Concentrators,
- Steel Pipes for manufacturing Oxygen Cylinders and associated equipment.
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In addition, port Chairpersons have been asked to personally supervise logistic operations to ensure unhindered movement of such consignments for berthing of such vessels on top priority in the port, unloading of oxygen-related cargo, coordination with Customs and other authorities for speedy clearance/documentation, and expeditious evacuation of oxygen-related cargo from the port.
In case the vessel is carrying other cargo/containers in addition to the above said oxygen-related cargo, waiver of charges on pro-rata basis, considering the overall cargo or containers handled at port, should be provided for oxygen-related cargo to such vessels.
This is in effect for the next three months, or until further orders. The Indian Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways will monitor the details of such vessels, cargo, and time taken in the port.
India is currently 3rd on the list with the most COVID-19 fatalities globally (230,168 as of 5 May), following US and Brazil, while the country has been facing an unprecedented healthcare crisis in the last weeks, with lack of medical supplies, oxygen shortages, and insufficient hospitalizations.
