THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The entire crew of the world's leading crane manufacturer, Shanghai P's ‘Shen Hua 15’ has been cleared to disembark at Vizhinjam International Port. Ports Minister Ahmed Devarkovil made this announcement. The ship received a warm welcome but there was concern as the Chinese crew members were unable to disembark even after four days. The Minister reported that permission was granted to address these concerns.

Initially, two people on the ship were granted FRRO permission. Later, authorities extended this permission to the entire crew. Minister Ahmed Devarkovil explained that this decision was due to technical reasons. Experts from the company in Mumbai are expected to arrive soon.

The Minister added that if weather conditions permit, the crane will be lowered at Vizhinjam. Both the Adani Group and the state government exerted pressure to expedite immigration clearance for the ship's crew. Presently, sea conditions are rough in Vizhinjam, so the crane lowering process will begin when the weather becomes favourable.

The first ship arrived at Vizhinjam on the 12th and was welcomed with a water salute. Shen Hua 15 made the journey to Vizhinjam port over one and a half months realizing Kerala's decades-long dream. The formal inauguration of Vizhinjam port occurred on the 15th.

Initially, crane unloading was expected to begin on Monday, but it was delayed due to rough seas. It's suggested that the primary reason was the crew's immigration clearance. There are 12 Chinese crew members aboard the ship, and there was an issue with their immigration clearance upon arrival. On that day, the ports minister wrote to the Centre requesting permission for the crew to disembark for crane unloading.