The Directorate of Shipping Services has announced that the cargo vessel MV Chuglam will undertake a direct sailing from Haddo Wharf in Sri Vijaya Puram to Campbell Bay on September 6 at 1700 hours. Following the completion of cargo operations at Campbell Bay, the vessel is scheduled to continue its onward journey to Sri Vijaya Puram via Nancowry, Katchal, Teressa, Chowra and Car Nicobar, after loading and unloading at each port. The schedule offers an important logistical lifeline for cargo consigners across the Nicobar Islands, ensuring regular supply of essential goods and facilitating trade connectivity in the region.
Cargo booking for the sailing began on September 2 and is being accepted at the Commercial Wing between 0900 and 1200 hours. Authorities have urged consigners to book only the actual quantity of cargo to be transshipped, as no excess load will be entertained beyond the declared capacity. This move, officials noted, is intended to streamline operations, prevent overloading, and ensure smoother handling at intermediate ports where multiple loading and unloading activities are planned.
The sailing of MV Chuglam assumes significance as it connects some of the most remote and strategically vital islands of the Nicobar district with the administrative hub of Sri Vijaya Puram. These islands depend largely on scheduled shipping services for transportation of food supplies, construction material, fuel and other essentials. The direct link to Campbell Bay is particularly important as it provides the main entry route for bulk cargo into southern Nicobar, which has limited alternate transport facilities. The vessel’s onward route through Nancowry, Katchal, Teressa, Chowra and Car Nicobar is also designed to facilitate equitable cargo distribution to smaller island communities that otherwise face irregular supplies.
Past disruptions in shipping services due to weather or operational constraints have highlighted the need for reliable cargo sailings. The announcement of MV Chuglam’s schedule provides clarity for traders, shopkeepers, and local communities dependent on timely replenishment of stock. Cargo movement is vital to the economic activity of these islands, where agriculture and fisheries are supplemented by imports of manufactured goods and daily consumables from the mainland.
For consigners, the advice to declare accurate cargo weight and volume during booking is crucial. Over-declaration or attempts to load excess beyond the permitted limits often result in delays at the wharf and difficulties in managing space on board. Strict monitoring is being applied this time to avoid such issues and ensure that all booked consignments are accommodated fairly. This step also aligns with safety protocols, as overloading can impact vessel stability during long inter-island sailings, particularly when navigating through varying sea conditions.
While passenger sailings often attract wider attention, cargo vessels like MV Chuglam are indispensable for sustaining economic activity across the islands. Every sailing provides an opportunity for traders and local enterprises to replenish stocks, while residents benefit indirectly through the availability of essential goods in local markets. With bookings already open, officials have reiterated the need for consigners to complete formalities early to avoid last-minute crowding and ensure smooth execution of the voyage.
The September 6 sailing is expected to bring much-needed supplies to the southern islands, bridging gaps that often arise due to delays in cargo movement. It will also reinforce the routine shipping calendar that helps island communities plan their business and household requirements in advance. For now, the schedule of MV Chuglam offers reassurance that despite logistical challenges, cargo connectivity across the scattered island chain continues to remain a priority for the administration.
