The first vessel under its service, "MV CMBT Limpopo" visited JNP in July first week with 230 import containers. The vessel, loaded for Mombasa, Dar-Es-Salam, Nakala, Biera and Darban, sailed from the port the same week with 152 export containers. The consortium of the three international lines will deploy seven more vessels for its weekly service. "Inter Trade Line has committed to bring three new vessels while its partners P&O and LNL Line will put two vessels each on the route", said a JNPT official. The capacity of the vessels will be around 500 TEUs.

Under the new service, the port of Nakala and Biera will be called by alternate vessels while the other ports will be called by the remaining ships, he said. MV CMBT Tana, the second ship of the new service arrived at the port on Saturday while the third vessel willcall at the port on Sunday.

According to acting chariman, JNPT, Kishore Apte, the additional new service will help JNPT to further extend its connectivity with the world. "The turn-around time of the container vessels has been brought down to 24 hours with virtually `nil' pre-berthing detention time. Many new shipping lines are approaching us and we are consideering their request", he said.

"It has been our constant endeavour to help new lines in improving their performances and make their venture a commercial success", he added.

Apte disclosed that JNPT is seriously considering to add two more gantry cranes at cost of Rs 50 crore. With this addition, the total number of quay cranes at the port will reach eight. JNPT has also cleared additional construction of 120 metres to the existing 80 metres of port craft jetty.

With a draft of 9.5 metres, it can be used for berthing feeder vessels, general cargo and smaller vessels who can work with ship's derrick.