General Scale of Rates and Terms & Conditions with effect from 01.05.2021

What the notification governs

The V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority's SRO C-17/2022 applies to both Zone A and Zone B of the Port of Tuticorin. It provides a general scale of rates and conditions covering vessels, cargo, containers, port equipment, premises and related services.

The listed subjects include:

• Port dues, pilotage fees, shifting charges, tug hire and berth hire.
• Anchorage and lighterage operation charges.
• Wharfage, pollution mitigation or spillage charges, free periods, demurrage and storage.
• Container storage, reefer services, mandatory user charges and dredging levy.
• Weighment, crane and equipment hire, way leave charges and room rentals.
• Vehicle entry licences, passenger tolls, duplicate bills, electricity supply overheads and railway siding charges.
• Tariff treatment for domestic cruise vessels in India.

Who is affected

SRO C-17/2022 affects shipowners, steamer agents, cargo and container users, and anyone hiring port craft, equipment, tools or plant. It may also affect persons using rooms, premises, vehicle access or other facilities within the port.

The vessel's certification by Customs or the Director General of Shipping determines whether it is treated as coastal or foreign-going for vessel related charges. The nature or origin of the cargo does not determine that vessel classification. Separate conditions identify when coastal rates apply to vessels, cargo and containers moving between Indian ports.

Key billing conditions

The V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority's scale contains the following general conditions:

• Charges stated in United States dollars are recovered in Indian rupees using the Reserve Bank of India reference rate applicable under the stated timing rules.
• Exchange rates are reviewed once every thirty days for vessels remaining in port for more than thirty days.
• Weight is calculated in tonnes of 1,000 kilograms, volume in cubic metres and bulk liquid capacity in units of 1,000 litres.
• Penal interest on delayed payments and delayed refunds is 15 percent per year, subject to the specified starting periods.
• The aggregate cargo handling bill for one consignment, including demurrage, is subject to a minimum of Rs.50.
• Final bill totals are rounded up to the next higher rupee before applicable taxes.
• Refunds below Rs.50 are not made, and short collections up to Rs.50 are not demanded.
• Hire charges for port craft, equipment, tools and plant must accompany the request in advance.

Equipment hire responsibility

SRO C-17/2022 does not guarantee that port craft or equipment will be available. Hirers are responsible for keeping hired items in good condition, covering damage or loss, and indemnifying the port against stated losses, injuries and liabilities arising during the hire period.