Intertanko received notification that following a port meeting on the June 16, 2004, the Port of Qasim Authority (PQA) in Pakistan has decided not to accept vessels more than 20 years old for berthing at the port, with effect from 1 January 2005. It is also stated that this matter is being referred to a higher governmental authority for final approval.
The PQA states that it has taken this action because older vessels are " a security risk and a hazard to safety", since "ships over 20 years of age not only have greater dwelling time due to low loading/discharging operations but slow pumping as well in the case of Tankers".
INTERTANKO will be strongly protesting against this unilateral action, as well as the reasoning behind it.
(Source: Intertanko)