KARACHI, Aug 21 The Gwadar Port's deep-sea jetty was damaged during the shifting of a vessel from berth No 1 to 3 on Monday.

Port sources told Dawn on phone that the centre line of RO RO jetty, including horizontal fenders, have been damaged and need further expert inspection to assess damages. It is being feared that piles supporting blocks might have suffered damages.

Panama registered vessel, Sheng Ming Hong 7, was being shifted by the pilot of port operator, Port of Singapore Authority (PSA), from jetty No 1 to 3 when it had a head-on collision with the jetty.

The vessel was to discharge urea but in the process had an accident which is being feared to be of colossal damage to the RO RO jetty.

The impact of the collision was so severe that the ship's Bulbus bow dented and the jetty's horizontal fenders were badly damaged, sources said.

The master of the ship is yet to submit his report to the Gwadar Port Authority, sources added.

The GPA is reported to have asked the principal officer of the Mercantile Marine Department to conduct an inquiry into the incident in accordance with the Merchant Shipping Act 2001.

Since the jetty is the property of the Gwadar Port, the vessel may be detained till damages to the berth are assessed by experts and claim is paid by the PSA or owners of the vessel or their Protection and Indemnity Club.

According port and shipping experts, only bank guarantees are accepted in such cases.

GPA authorities fear that even piles of the jetty supporting the blocks had been damaged in the accident, indicating a colossal loss.