Thiruvananthapuram: The arrival of the first ship, China’s Zhen Hua 15, at Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited was received with a warm welcome from Minister for Ports Sarbananda Sonowal and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday (Oct 15). Despite the favourable atmosphere, a cloud of uncertainty looms over the unloading of cranes from the ship, as Chinese crew members are still awaiting permission to disembark.
Both the Adani Group and the state government are intensifying efforts to secure immigration clearance for the Chinese nationals on board. Initially scheduled to unload the cranes from the ship on Monday (Oct. 16), the process has encountered delays due to the pending immigration approval.
Shanghai PMC has dispatched 60 experts from Mumbai to oversee the crane unloading process from the berth. However, the Chinese crew’s disembarkation is crucial for the unloading of the tallest crane in India. It is a procedure that requires immigration clearance. Notably, this ship had previously delivered cranes to Mundra Port, a functioning port with all facilities for crane unloading.
Following the anticipated unloading on the 20th or 21st, Zhen Hua 15 is expected to depart. The government’s celebratory act of bringing in the crane has drawn criticism from the opposition, contributing to the current state of uncertainty. The combined pressure from the government and the Adani Group continues to mount as they seek swift immigration approval to facilitate the crane unloading at Vizhinjam International Seaport.
Discussion about this post