Shipping company starts receiving empty containers at Birgunj dry port

KOLKATA, May 18:

In a welcome move for Nepali importers a shipping company which has been transporting goods to Birgunj has now started to receive empty containers at the dry port at Sirsiya in Birgunj itself.

Earlier, the importers had to hand over the containers to the shipping company in the Indian port city of Kolkota.

Importers are relieved by the decision of Maersk Line, a shipping company, which has recently stopped penalizing Nepali importers for failing to send the empty containers back to Kolkota within 14 days.

Previously importers were paying fine of US$ 20 to 40 for each delayed day after 14 days.

Importers had been complaining that it normally takes around 21 days to return the empty containers to Kolkota.

Estimates say that the facility provided by the shipping company will ease import by saving about Rs 1 billion for Nepali importers.

Sales Manager of Maersk Line Siddhartha Mohan said that they have received positive response from Nepali importers, and added that the latest move has helped to overcome the mindset of the importers that the shipping company was imposing additional charges.

Gaurav Sachan, an official of Maersk Line, said that receiving containers from the dry port in Birgunj itself will save about Rs 1 billion for Nepali importers.
Likewise, APL, another shipping company, is also mulling to follow the suit.

It is planning to hold a meeting between Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry officials in near future in this regard.

Source: Republica