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Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Crew change services at Vizhinjam port unlikely to be restored
Thiruvananthapuram: In a major setback to the future prospects of crew change services at the Vizhinjam port, a minor port managed by the Kerala Maritime Board (KMB), high court (HC) dismissed the writ petition filed by Vizhinjam Steamer Agents Association seeking restoration of controlled services. The dismissal of the petition was a huge blow for local shipping agents who operated such services between June 2020 and July 2022. The petition challenged an order issued by the Bureau of Immigration that withdrew permission for crew change operations from the port's inner and outer anchorages due to security reasons. However, the steamer agents' association is set to file an appeal with the HC division bench after receiving a legal opinion. The judgment was delivered by Justice VG Arun on Monday. In their plea, the petitioners argued that Vizhinjam port's status as an authorised immigration check post and its designation as an international crew change terminal by the KMB gave them the right to continue such services. They contended that withdrawing the facility disrupted a vital economic activity and infringed on their fundamental right to conduct business. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trending in in 2025: Local network access control [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo However, the court ruled that the earlier permissions for crew change were temporary measures tied to Covid-19 protocols. Once these protocols were lifted, operations at outer anchorages needed to conform to the visa manual, which restricts such activity to emergency situations unless explicit permission is granted by immigration authorities. Justice Arun emphasised that security concerns and national sovereignty outweigh commercial interests. The court also pointed out that Vizhinjam port received its compliance certification under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code only in June 2023, after the crew change permissions were already revoked. "The withdrawal of the exemption granted during the pandemic period will not give rise to any cause of action to an association of steamer agents or its members. Their business interests cannot override the security of the nation," the court stated. According to KMB chairman NS Pillai, the state govt was keen on restoring the crew change services at the port. "Even chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to the Union home minister seeking approval to restore crew change here. However, the Centre rejected it, citing that crew change was only a temporary activity necessitated due to the pandemic. We cannot allow the crew change at the outer anchorage due to security reasons. Not only Vizhinjam, but no other ports in the country allow crew change now due to the Centre's stringent policies. However, the crew change can be done in medical emergencies," Pillai told TOI. Expressing disappointment with the verdict, petitioner and Vizhinjam Steamer Agents Association secretary Jude Sajith D'Cruz, said, "This decision has come as a blow to the hundreds of workers and stakeholders who depended on the crew change operations at Vizhinjam. We believe the port has the infrastructure, proximity to internal shipping channels and regulatory backing to continue such services safely. It is not only a loss for us, but for the state govt too," D'Cruz said. Controlled sign-on and sign-off procedures were permitted at the port's anchorage areas to facilitate seafarers stuck at sea due to lockdown restrictions. However, this permission was rescinded by the Bureau of Immigration in July 2022, following the withdrawal of all pandemic-related standard operating procedures by the Directorate General of Shipping.
New Indian Express
11-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Security beefed up along Odisha coast, Paradip Port on alert
BERHAMPUR/PARADIP: Security measures have been intensified along Odisha's coastline over potential threats to vital installations and establishments amid the tension between India and Pakistan. Paradip Port authorities heightened measures with all terminals, berths, and ship anchorage areas instructed to immediately elevate their security status to International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code - Security Level 2. Stringent checks are being implemented on vessels and entry gates. Sources said, around 20-25 vessels operating in and around the Indian subcontinent and neighbouring regions have been directed to follow Security Level 2 protocols. Jagatsinghpur SP Bhabani Shankar Udgata said, security has been stepped up at Paradip Port following the rise in tension between India and Pakistan. Flag marches have been conducted across all police jurisdiction areas in Paradip. Enhanced security arrangements have been made at the port and other strategic locations. Additional personnel have been deployed at key installations, he added. Similarly, security was tightened in Ganjam district's coastal areas. Marine police stations in Arjipalli and three stations in Jagatsinghpur district are on high alert conducting intensified sea and land patrolling. 'Ganjam has a coastline of over 33 km, and we have stepped up patrols to prevent potential security breaches,' stated Ganjam SP Suvendu Patra. Since important establishments including Gopalpur Port, Indian Rare Earths Ltd, Grasim exists in coastal areas in Chhatrapur block of Ganjam, security forces have been deployed for safety of the establishments, the SP added. Leaves of CISF and police have been cancelled, with coastal security efforts being coordinated among Odisha Police, Indian Coast Guard, and Indian Navy.
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Business Standard
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Maritime security raised to level 2 for Indian ports amid tensions
The Directorate General of Shipping has increased maritime security for Indian ports, terminals, and Indian-flagged vessels to "MARSEC Level 2 or heightened security", considering the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, a senior government official said. The directive was issued on May 8, the official added. The Directorate General of Shipping functions under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), forms a crucial part of the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention. It was adopted in response to growing global concerns over maritime security, especially in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. One of the core components of the ISPS Code is the classification of security levels. These levels are designed to ensure that ships and port facilities can operate securely under varying threat environments. Security Level 2 involves maintaining of appropriate additional protective security measures for a defined period of time, in response to a heightened risk. This level is activated before an incident occurs, often as a precautionary measure based on credible information. Level 2 requires escalation of standard procedures and close monitoring of threat updates. Earlier this month, India banned ships bearing the flag of Pakistan from visiting any Indian port. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday conducted a comprehensive review of key maritime projects to ensure normal cargo movement. He directed officials to ensure that the business remains normal.
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Business Standard
09-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Ports, vessels on heightened maritime security measures, blackout protocols
Indian ports and vessels have been ordered to enforce heightened maritime security measures and blackout protocols amid rising tensions and a maritime threat looming large in the Arabian Sea. 'In light of recent developments and growing concerns regarding potential threat to Indian ports, coast, terminals and vessels, to emphasise the necessity of implementing additional protective measures during period of heightened security risks, it is hereby directed that all ports, terminals and shipyards, shall ensure heightened maritime measures, including elevation to ISPS security Level 2 with immediate effect. All Indian-flagged vessels operating in and near to the Indian subcontinent, and neighbouring countries, are required to elevate security to Level 2 and implement the applicable security measures according to the ship security plan,' a notice to all maritime stakeholders by India's shipping regulator Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) said. The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Level-2, among other measures, includes enhanced monitoring of access points, stricter access controls, increased frequency of security patrols, and potentially searches of people, baggage, and vehicles. Ports and terminals have also been asked to conduct blackout tests and unannounced security drills to test and reinforce preparedness. Chief Information Security Officers of all port facilities will review their IT security systems to prevent any threats of cyberattacks. The shipping regulator earlier banned all vessels from Pakistan from docking at Indian ports. Transporters are also bracing for disruption. 'It is very early to quantifiably assess the impact on shipments. Blackout protocols in border states have brought disruptions to logistics. Additionally, several port facilities on the western coast have also been involved for military use, potentially impacting movement of cargo from these ports. We're expecting more disruptions going forward, and it is possible that added costs in terms of war risk premiums on marine insurance will come about,' said Dushyant Mulani, chairman of Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations in India. The government expects commercial maritime operations to continue normally. 'At Level-2, there should be no impact on commercial vessel movement. We have not reached that situation – if ever there is such a situation, a Level-3 is enforced where movement is restricted,' a senior regulatory official said on condition of anonymity. To ensure commercial operations are not impacted, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal conducted a high-level review meeting on Friday with officials from ports and other stakeholder departments. 'Considering the prevailing situation, the union minister took stock of key maritime projects and directed the officials to ensure that the business remains as usual. Sonowal also reviewed measures to be taken to ensure smooth and normal movement of cargo operations,' a statement by the minister's office said. Indian ports have already responded to the call for elevated security measures. Kolkata's Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority said, 'To ensure full operational readiness, all leave of employees, (including contractual staff) stand cancelled from 10th May to 14th May 2025. Additionally employees are required to remain at headquarters, even during the days of weekly off. Pilots and dock pilots will be on high alert and ready for emergency evacuation from KDS and HDC, if necessary.' On the digital front, cybersecurity is also being enhanced.
