HOT PORT NEWS from GAC

Effective 18 May 2026, APDPL Dahej Port in India has introduced a critical operational mandate requiring all vessels calling at the terminal during the monsoon season to utilize shore mooring winch lines. This directive, issued via GAC port news, aims to enhance safety during periods of adverse weather conditions. Concurrently, maritime operations in Singapore face extended timelines for seabed clearing activities related to proposed waterfront development, impacting navigation schedules and requiring careful passage planning for vessels operating in the region.

These mooring requirements align with the broader safety standards outlined in SOLAS Chapter II-1, Regulation 3-8, which governs towing and mooring equipment. Compliance with such local port directives is essential for maintaining vessel integrity and preventing structural damage or mooring failures during high-energy sea states. Compliance departments must ensure that Safety Management Systems (SMS) are updated to reflect these regional mandates. Failure to adhere to these specific mooring protocols can lead to significant port delays, potential fines, and increased liability under international maritime safety conventions.

Masters and deck officers must prioritize these new mooring procedures during their pre-arrival planning for Dahej. It is vital that navigating officers verify the availability and condition of shore mooring winch lines well before berthing. Furthermore, deck officers should conduct thorough risk assessments and brief the deck crew on the specific handling requirements for these lines to ensure safe operations throughout the monsoon season, thereby minimizing the risk of mooring accidents and ensuring seamless port turnaround times.