Govt Issues SOP for Ports to Handle Disruptions from West Asia Crisis, Allows Charge Waivers
Nodal Officers to Be Appointed as Single Point of Contact at Ports
Mumbai, March 7: The Union Ministry of Shipping, Ports and Waterways has issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) for ports to address operational challenges arising from the ongoing West Asia crisis, while also allowing them to consider requests for reductions, waivers, or remission of various charges, including vessel change charges.The SOP was finalised after extensive consultations with stakeholders on Friday and is aimed at ensuring a coordinated response across ports to manage disruptions affecting cargo movement and shipping operations.
Under the new framework, each port will appoint a nodal officer at the level of head of department or deputy head of department. The officer will serve as the single point of contact for resolving issues raised by stakeholders.
The nodal officer will be responsible for escalating matters to the appropriate authorities and ensuring that action is taken within a time frame of 24 to 72 hours.
Regular Stakeholder Meetings to Monitor Situation
The ministry has directed port chairpersons to hold periodic meetings with stakeholders, including shipping lines, exporters, terminal operators, and customs authorities. These meetings will focus on closely monitoring the situation and resolving operational concerns that may arise due to the regional crisis.Ports May Offer Charge Waivers and Storage Relief
As part of the facilitation measures, ports may consider requests from users seeking reductions, waivers, or remission of storage rent and vessel change charges. Such requests will be evaluated on a case by case basis depending on the prevailing conditions at individual ports.The SOP also allows ports to permit cargo destined for the Middle East to be stored as transshipment cargo during the affected period. Ports may also allocate additional storage space where necessary to manage cargo accumulation linked to disruptions in the region.
Measures to Support Cargo Movement and Shipping Operations
Ports have also been advised to consider several operational steps to ease logistical challenges. These include facilitating berthing for ad hoc vessels that may arrive to drop or pick up transshipment cargo bound for the Middle East.Ports may also expedite the movement of export cargo from port premises in coordination with Customs authorities to avoid congestion and delays.
In addition, the ministry has recommended priority handling of perishable cargo to prevent deterioration. Export cargo returning from the Middle East may also receive priority processing to ensure faster turnaround.
Ports have also been asked to facilitate additional bunkering capacity wherever feasible to meet potential demand from vessels operating under altered shipping routes.
Coordination with Government Agencies
The ministry has directed ports to closely coordinate with agencies such as Customs, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), and other relevant authorities to ensure the effective implementation of the measures within the specified timelines.The SOP is intended to help ports respond quickly to disruptions in trade and shipping activity linked to the evolving situation in West Asia.
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