IFW Voice
Kizzi Nkwocha takes a view on one of the big stories of the week
It has finally been determined that human error on board the cargo vessel Khalijia 3 was the primary cause of last month’s collision that closed India’s biggest container port for more than a week.
In a report that was as predictable as it was anticipated, the Directorate of General Shipping confirmed what many already knew to be the case: the Khalijia 3 had navigated the port’s entry channel at the wrong time and at the wrong angle, resulting in it blocking its the entire length.
However, opportunity often comes disguised in the form of misfortune.
The Mumbai Incident has highlighted two real issues that must be examined if we are to learn from the past. The first is the very pressing need for shippers to make sure they have the right insurance. If they take the time to examine their policies, many shippers will find that they either do not have sufficient cover, or that which they have has, hidden within the small print, exclusion clauses that limit or nullify their claim.
The second issue is India’s chronic shortage of both port and hinterland transport options. The Mumbai incident has raised further questions as to whether the domestic fleet has adequate capacity to offer suitable feeder services, because of India’s stringent cabotage laws.
The real lesson for India is that more investment in ports and linking road and rail infrastructure should now be an absolute priority.
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