Vishaka Zadoo in New Delhi

The government may reduce the vessel-related charges of container vessels handled by Tuticorin, Cochin and Chennai ports 70-75 per cent to bring them on a par with the Colombo port.

The shipping ministry, however, proposes to exclude feeder vessels from paying the lower tariffs in a new tariff order expected shortly. According to the estimate made by a committee for reviewing such charges, which submitted its report in March 2003, Colombo's vessel-related charge was $2.62 per 20 foot equivalent unit ( TEU), which was much lower than other ports in India. The TEU rate at Chennai is $ 8.86, at Tuticorin it is $11.23 and $9.87 at Cochin ......
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