Kolkata, March 21 : The century-old Kolkata Port, now renamed after Syama Prasad Mookerjee, has opened a new chapter in cargo handling by commencing ship-to-ship (STS) operations for LPG cargo bound for Bangladesh, a top official said on Monday. The new beginning had its roots around October-November last year when an STS operator, Pace Marine Solutions Pvt Ltd, approached the port authorities here with such a proposal after commencement of successful STS operation involving LPG and other liquefied cargo bound for Haldia Port in the state. Apart from Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), Calcutta Customs also played a proactive role by permitting such operations in a time-bound manner, SMPK Chairman Vinit Kumar said. Apart from bolstering the existing Indo-Bangla relations, the new beginning would also open connectivity between Kolkata Port and Mongla port of Bangladesh, where the LPG cargo is bound for. The VLGC M T MIURA carrying 11666.335 MT of propane and 32848.804 MTof Butane from Trincomalee, Sri Lanka anchored at the sandheads on Saturday and on completion of Customs formalities, commenced discharging cargo in LPG barge SENNA 7. The operation will continue with four such LPG barges loading from M T MIURA and discharging at Mongla. M T MIURA will act as a floater for LPG cargo. In foul weather conditions, such operations will be undertaken at Sagar in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district. The STS operation involving the floater and LPG barges was being undertaken in Indonesia earlier and SMPK is the first major port in the country undertaking such an operation within its limits, said Kumar. He said the SMPK will earn vessel-related and cargo-related charges from the said operation. As a startup venture, the port has provided its tug for towing and placing Yokohama fenders for safe berthing of vessels in the sea, said Kumar. The tug will also act as a fire float. PC SSP