Availability of anchorages during monsoon period 2022

13 May 2022 / Mumbai, India

The foul weather season is normally from 25 May to 31 August. During this period, the anchorage area of the inner harbor is restricted to a foul weather IV limit lines, which is North of the Sunk Rock Lighthouse position. Hence, the number of anchorages that can be utilised would be restricted due to non-availability of anchorages to the south of this line (including the PLA anchorage for cargo operation) during this period.

Mumbai Port Authority will try and accommodate as many vessels as possible but may have to deny anchorage facilities due to non-availability of anchorage berths. The cargo working anchorage berths will be allotted on a first-come-first-serve basis, while other anchorages will be allotted for short periods only for those vessels also on a first-come-first-serve basis, which have specific work at Mumbai. Vessels which have got no employment will not be accorded to ‘lay up anchorage’ and hence are strongly exhorted to find monsoon shelter elsewhere.

In view of MTHL construction activity in the northern part of port inner anchorage and [the fact that] last monsoon craft anchored in the P & V northern anchorage area, drifted towards MTHL and damaged part of the structure, small tugs, barges and other small vessels, which are covered under the Inland Vessels Act are advised to seek shelter accordingly. Those vessels which are anchored in the inner Mumbai Harbour will have to ensure that they are in a port-worthy condition, manned under the ISM code of safe manning and have the engines in proper working condition besides having all the statutory certificates and insurance valid.

The dumb barges and craft with engine which are anchored in the inner Mumbai Harbour will have to keep standby tugs of sufficient power for assistance to vessel. They also should have their towing ropes and appropriate gear ready for towing during the stay at anchorage in case of bad weather and any other emergencies.

(For information about operations in India, contact GAC India at [email protected])

Source: Mumbai Port Authority Circular No.DC/C-SH/1714

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