Ports Respond to Cargo Disruptions with New Operational Procedures

Government Issues SOP for Major Ports to Manage West Asia Disruptions​

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has issued a standard operating procedure for major ports to manage operational challenges arising from the geopolitical disturbance in West Asia, particularly for containers and vessels associated with cargo bound for the region.

The directive aims to ensure smooth port operations and timely response to disruptions affecting shipments linked to the Middle East.

Nodal Officers Appointed at Major Ports​

Under the new guidelines, each major port has been instructed to appoint a nodal officer at the level of Head of Department or Deputy Head of Department. The officer will act as the single point of contact for addressing operational issues related to West Asia bound cargo and vessels.

The ministry has also asked port chairpersons to hold periodic meetings with stakeholders to assess the evolving situation and address any operational challenges.

The nodal officer will be responsible for escalating matters to the competent authority and ensuring that necessary action is taken within 24 to 72 hours.

Priority Handling for Returning Export Cargo​

The SOP directs ports to give priority consideration to export cargo that is returning from the Middle East due to disruptions.

Ports have also been advised to adopt several operational measures to manage potential congestion or logistical issues. These measures include permitting storage of cargo destined for Gulf destinations and allocating additional storage space where required.

Authorities may also facilitate the movement of Gulf bound cargo back to town if necessary, while ensuring that perishable goods receive priority handling.

Additional Bunker Capacity and Operational Flexibility​

Ports have been asked to facilitate additional bunker capacity wherever feasible to meet potential demand arising from the evolving situation.

The SOP also allows ports to consider requests from port users for reduction, waiver or remission of certain charges. These may include reefer plugging charges, storage rent and change of vessel charges.

Such requests will be assessed on a case by case basis depending on the prevailing circumstances at each port. However, the government has not announced any specific relief for exporters facing additional costs.

Daily Monitoring of West Asia Bound Cargo​

The ministry said the SOP will apply to cargo and vessels linked to the Middle East that are affected by the ongoing geopolitical crisis in West Asia.

Ports have been instructed to submit a daily action taken report to the ministry to ensure close monitoring of the situation.

Government Reviews Maritime Situation​

On March 6, a high level inter ministerial review meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to review the evolving situation.

The government said Indian flagged ships remain safe, with no confirmed detention, boarding or casualty involving such vessels reported so far.

Authorities are currently tracking all 35 Indian flagged vessels in the Persian Gulf region and three vessels in the Gulf of Aden through the LRIT National Data Centre at hourly intervals. Regular situation reports are also being issued.

Advisory for Shipping Companies and Crew Deployment​

Shipping companies, vessel operators and Recruitment and Placement Service Licensees have been advised to exercise caution when deploying crew in sensitive regions.

They have also been asked to undertake voyage specific risk assessments and maintain regular communication with seafarers and their families while operating in areas affected by the geopolitical tensions.