H’tota Port concerned by slow vehicle clearance

Wednesday, 29 April 2020 05:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Imported vehicles in the yard at Hambantota International Port

Over 5,700 vehicles to be cleared before 30 April deadline

The clearance of cars at the Hambantota Port is slow, and the port is concerned they will not meet the 30 April deadline for clearing imported vehicles.

“No vehicles were cleared over the weekend, and the number cleared on Monday was 203 while port dues have been paid for 425 chassis, which we hope would leave the port soon. We cannot understand why they are not clearing the vehicles on time, as the demurrage waiver period is ending soon,” said Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) COO Tissa Wickremasinghe.

Port officials say that clearance applications received yesterday were for only 220 chassis, and 5,755 vehicles are still lying in their yard awaiting clearance.

The port had previously informed vehicle importers that demurrage costs incurred from 16 March to 30 April 2020 will be waived off. They also communicated instructions by the Sri Lanka Police and HIP on cargo clearance procedures to wharf clerks and vehicle importers associations to ensure their health and safety, as well as the health and safety of the people who live near the port.

The Hambantota Wharf Clerks Association has acknowledged the measures taken by HIP by letter, placing on record their appreciation of the entire staff of the port, for the safety measures taken in the pandemic’s midst, and for the understanding and support extended by the port, especially where operational matters were concerned.

Hambantota International Port (HIP) officials reiterate that all facilities are working round the clock to speed up clearance, including Sri Lanka Customs who are open for business even on weekends. HIP’s document centre is also operational and HIP has enabled shipping lines to carry out online payments and transfers for stevedoring and navigational bills and also plans to implement online payment for customers who clear the vehicles at HIPG. The e-DO facility for customers will commence on 1 May to quicken the clearance process, making it more convenient and minimise human interactions.