Vizhinjam Port Restarts Crew Change Services
Vizhinjam port has successfully conducted its first crew-change operation since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, facilitating the sign-on of three seafarers and the sign-off of another three from the vessel MV Nexor at the outer anchorage. This operation signifies the revival of a maritime service that previously positioned the Kerala port as a key crew-change hub for vessels operating along the state’s coastline.
The Indian crew members were ferried between the ship and the shore by boat, with an additional nine crew members disembarking for a 24-hour shore leave to meet their families and explore Thiruvananthapuram before returning to the vessel. This operation was made possible by a new standard operating procedure from the Directorate General of Shipping, which permits crew changes at outer anchorages with the necessary approvals from port and immigration authorities, thus allowing vessels to utilize the service without needing to dock.
Waterline Shipping coordinated the operation, ensuring a smooth transfer of crew members to the ship while also delivering essential supplies, including spare parts and lubricating oil. The vessel had been anchored offshore awaiting further instructions, and there was also a recent medical emergency requiring a crew member to be brought ashore, underscoring the importance of efficient operational arrangements for offshore support.
Historically, Vizhinjam port emerged as a significant crew-change center during the pandemic, facilitating the replacement of approximately 12,500 crew members on nearly 1,000 ships. With the recent crew change operation under the new guidelines, Vizhinjam aims to reclaim its role as a vital maritime service provider, enhancing support for vessels near the Kerala coast while adhering to port and immigration regulations.
