Shipping activities in Barito river limited

The Banjarmasin port administration has limited shipping activities in the Barito river, the main route for the shipment of coal in South Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan, due decline in the water level, Media Indonesia reported Thursday.

The head of the port administration, Sufrisman Djafar said in Banjarmasin Wednesday that the shipping restriction was needed to ensure that the shipment of basic needs such as rice, sugar and fuel ahead of the Idulfitri (moslem festival) and fasting month would not be interrupted.

Djafar said that the sharp decline in the water debit during the current dry season has caused a serious problem to the shipment of coal and other commodities in the Barito river.

In order to limit the number of ships from running aground, the port authority would for the time being allow only ships with height of below 4.8 meters to use the river, Djafar said.

"Ships with a height of above 4.8 meters will be temporarily prohibited from using the river to prevent them from running aground in the river," he said, adding that the increase in the number of ships being stranded had often blocked the shipment. (*)