DCI Dredge 16 In Collision Near Haldia

The Times of India reported on September 1 the Dredging Corporation of India’s Dredge 16 had collided with the bulk carrier MV City near the Haldia Port Complex on August 30. Both vessels sustained damage and the Dredge 16 was taken into drydock. No one was hurt.

The Dredge 16 had been doing maintenance dredging in the channel where post monsoon discharge had reduced the channel depth and shipping into Haldia had been severely constrained.

Further news reports stated that one dredge was being diverted to Haldia from Paradip and that the damaged dredge would be working again in a month.

Rapid siltation compounded by insufficient dredging capacity in India has plagued the Haldia Port for the past decade as more and larger ships call on the port.