JNPA has launched relief measures to assist exporters after vessel disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict left thousands of containers stranded.
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has introduced emergency relief measures after vessel disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict left thousands of export containers stranded, reported New Delhi's Indian Express.
JNPA chairman Gaurav Dayal stated that the port has coordinated with shipping lines, customs, and trade bodies while offering waivers on charges and additional storage space. Since late February, about 3,000 TEUs of export cargo have been stranded, including 1,000 TEUs of perishables. The port has also received 5,000 TEUs of transshipment cargo.
Customs has allowed Back to Town movement of export cargo, enabling exporters to retrieve and redirect consignments. Relief measures include a 100 percent waiver on ground rent and dwell time charges, and an 80 percent waiver on reefer plug-in charges for refrigerated cargo.
Stranded containers are being stored in terminal yards, with additional space provided for transshipment cargo. Customs has eased procedures, permitting BTT movement even without an Export General Manifest. Verification has been simplified, with fees and penalties waived.
Nearly half of the affected cargo consists of perishable produce such as bananas, grapes, onions, and chilies. To mitigate disruption, JNPA has facilitated ad hoc vessel calls to ports east of the Strait of Hormuz, including Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, Sohar, Muscat, and Salalah.
Mr. Dayal mentioned that exporters' queries are being addressed through a single point of contact at the port, as authorities continue to manage the impact of skipped or delayed vessel calls.
