Historic Night Pilotage Milestone at Kolkata's Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port
In a groundbreaking achievement, the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority (SMPA) in Kolkata successfully executed its first-ever night-time pilotage at the upper reaches on Wednesday night. This historic event marks a significant milestone in the port's 155-year operational history, shattering long-standing perceptions about navigational limitations during darkness.
Breaking the Myth of Night Navigation
SMPA Chairman Rathendra Raman announced on Thursday that the port had achieved a historic milestone by dispelling the myth that pilotage at the upper reaches was impossible during hours of darkness. The upper reaches, spanning from Diamond Harbour to Kolkata, have traditionally been considered challenging for night operations due to narrow channels and reduced visibility.
Raman emphasized the critical role of coordination, stating, "Due to the exemplary coordination between various departments, our experienced pilots were able to safely steer the vessel through the complex navigational conditions." This successful operation involved navigating the container vessel Sinar Pangalam Susu on her inward voyage through the Kolkata Dock System's narrow channel under the cover of darkness.
Technical Details and Preparatory Measures
The vessel involved in this historic transit had a length overall (LOA) of 128 meters and a draught of 6.1 meters, requiring precise maneuvering in challenging conditions. To facilitate such operations, SMPA had undertaken significant infrastructure upgrades in the previous year, installing over 100 lights along the river and shore between Diamond Harbour and Kolkata.
This lighting system, covering approximately 60 kilometers on the Hooghly River, forms a crucial part of the port's night navigation system. These enhancements have been instrumental in improving safety and visibility, enabling pilots to undertake complex tasks during nighttime hours.
Distinction Between Night Pilotage and Night Navigation
It is important to distinguish between night-time pilotage and general night navigation, as explained by Kolkata Port officials. While night navigation is typically managed by the ship's captain, night pilotage involves licensed pilots taking responsibility for maneuvering ships in and out of berths during darkness.
This distinction highlights the increased complexity of night piloting in narrow channels like those at Kolkata Port, where risks such as reduced visibility and the presence of unlit smaller vessels must be carefully managed. Port authorities consider night pilotage a significantly more challenging feat that requires specialized local expertise and rigorous safety protocols.
Implications for Maritime Operations
This achievement represents more than just a technical milestone; it signals enhanced operational capabilities for one of India's oldest ports. By successfully conducting night-time pilotage at the upper reaches, SMPA has demonstrated improved efficiency and safety standards that could potentially increase shipping traffic and reduce turnaround times.
The successful navigation of the Sinar Pangalam Susu under challenging conditions showcases the port's commitment to modernization and operational excellence. This development positions Kolkata Port as a more competitive player in regional maritime logistics, potentially attracting increased commercial activity to the region.
As SMPA continues to build on this success, the maritime industry will be watching closely to see how this breakthrough influences port operations and shipping schedules in the Hooghly River region.
