Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 09 August 2023
In a significant move, the passenger shipping services provided by the Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Administration have been expanded to include the transportation of Copra, a vital cash crop for the tribal and other inhabitant communities of the Nancowry and Great Nicobar Islands. The A&N Administration’s cargo-enabled passenger vessels Sindhu & Nalanda have been granted permission to carry Copra, marking a positive shift for the farmers and tribespeople of the region.
Historically, the cargo vessels operated by the A&N Administration have played a crucial role in transporting agricultural and fisheries products, as well as providing essential passenger connections to the remote inhabited islands within the A&N archipelago. However, Copra, classified as a dangerous cargo due to its potential risks, was not permitted to be transported on these vessels, causing significant challenges for the farmers and tribal communities that heavily rely on Copra exports.
Recognising the difficulties faced by these communities, the Directorate of Shipping Services, under the guidance of the Chief Secretary, initiated discussions with the Directorate General of Shipping to secure permission for the transportation of Copra on their passenger vessels. This move required careful consideration and adherence to safety standards as Copra falls under the category of IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) Cargo.
Diligent efforts were made by the Directorate of Shipping Services to modify and arrange onboard vessels Sindhu and Nalanda to ensure the safe transportation of Copra in package form. The Directorate successfully obtained the necessary license from the Statutory Authority, allowing Copra to be carried in freight containers on the open deck atop the existing cargo hold of the vessels.
The implications of this development are far-reaching. It is expected to open up new avenues of business opportunities for the farmers and tribal communities of the southern group of islands in the A&N archipelago. The Directorate of Shipping Services has assured the public that all necessary safety protocols and regulations will be adhered to during the transportation of Copra products onboard Nalanda and Sindhu.
Furthermore, the vessels Sindhu and Nalanda have additional capabilities, including the ability to carry refrigerated cargo and Refer Containers with a capacity of 15 tons and a temperature range of minus 15 to 18 degrees Celsius. This added capacity can also be utilized for the transportation of fish, enhancing the overall economic potential of the region.
Four containers will carry Copra products from Campbell Bay on the sailing scheduled on August 10, 2023. This move not only addresses the challenges faced by farmers and tribal communities but also promises to stimulate economic growth and sustainable development in the region.