Keeping in view the emergency requirement of oxygen and related equipment in the country, the government has directed all major ports, including the Kamarajar Port Limited, to waive-off all charges levied on vessels by Port Trusts.

Port Trusts would also give highest priority in berthing for oxygen related consignments.

According to the Ports and Shipping Ministry, there would be no levies on ships carrying oxygen and oxygen related equipment cargo.

Major Port Trusts have been directed to waive off charges including vessel related charges, storage charges etc. and accord highest priority in the berthing sequence to the vessels carrying consignments of Medical Grade Oxygen, Oxygen Tanks, Oxygen Bottles, Portable Oxygen Generators and Oxygen Concentrators, Steel Pipes for manufacturing Oxygen Cylinders and associated equipment for the next three months, or until further orders.

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 ports.

In case the vessel is carrying other cargo/containers in addition to above said oxygen related cargo, waiver of charges will be on a pro-rata basis, considering the overall cargo or containers handled at port should be provided for oxygen related cargo to such vessels.

The Ministry will monitor the details of such vessels, cargo and time taken in the port from the time the vessel entered the port limits to exit of cargo from port gate.

The Government of India is deeply engaged in handling the crisis related to the second wave of Covid-19 in the country and is taking all steps to counter the situation through appropriate and innovative measures.