File picture of a ship anchored at Paradip port

Paradip, Oct. 16: The port has resumed berthing of ships after successfully combating Phailin.

Night navigation of ships, which had remained suspended for the cyclone, restarted today with repair of the transit-lighting system and buoys for the approach channel, said chairman of Paradip Port Trust Sudhansu Sekhar Mishra.

The harbour is ready to handle vessels up to a draught of 13 metres. Normal operational mode of the port has largely been restored with berthing of 10 vessels today, said another port official.

Inward and outward movement of vessels of 14.5 meters draught will restart after a survey of the approach channel.

Considering the Phailin severity following IMD warnings, all operational works were suspended at the harbour from October 11. A cyclone contingency plan was also invoked here.

Phailin has triggered heavy sand-casting on the outer harbour area. Besides, the breakwater system has also been damaged. Dredging has got under way to remove sands. The operation will cost the port about Rs 50 crore, said another official.

Railway operations have already commenced at the mechanised coal handling plant.

As precautionary measures for safety of the vessels and the harbour, all vessels were relocated from the port to safer areas.

Wrecks of two sunken fishing trawlers and a country boat are now being salvaged to clear the harbour areas.

The port trust has initiated measures for repair of the crest stone in seawall and south breakwater, which was dislodged because of a tidal surge. Damages caused to the roof of the warehouses and wagon tippler are being repaired on an emergency basis, he said.