JNPA activates a multi-agency task force and cargo facilitation measures to protect EXIM trade from Middle East geopolitical disruptions.
In response to growing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and their impact on global maritime trade, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for all major ports to mitigate disruptions affecting shipping operations and cargo logistics.
Acting under the directive, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has established a dedicated multi-agency task force to coordinate response measures and ensure continuity of trade operations.
The task force includes representatives from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Customs authorities, the Directorate General of Shipping and JNPA’s traffic division, ensuring coordination between regulatory bodies and trade stakeholders.
Girish Thomas, Chief General Manager (Traffic), JNPA, has been designated as the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to streamline communication and response efforts.
Export Cargo and Vessel Schedules Affected
The evolving situation in the Middle East has disrupted vessel schedules and export cargo movements to key Gulf markets.
JNPA Chairperson Shri Gaurav Dayal, IAS, and Deputy Chairperson Shri Ravish Kumar Singh, IRTS, are holding regular consultations with shipping lines, exporters, terminal operators, customs officials and trade associations including BCBA, APEDA, CSLA, MANSA, FFFAI and transporters’ groups.
The objective is to maintain cargo flows and minimise delays affecting exporters.
Emergency Cargo Facilitation Measures Introduced
To support the EXIM community and reduce congestion at the port, JNPA has implemented several operational measures.
These include:
- Temporary transshipment storage for Middle East-bound cargo
- Allocation of additional terminal storage areas
- Facilitation of ad-hoc vessel calls to alternative Middle East ports
Cargo is now being rerouted through Fujairah and Khor Fakkan in the UAE, and Sohar, Muscat and Salalah in Oman, ports located east of the Strait of Hormuz.
JNPA has also introduced priority handling for perishable cargo and export shipments returning from the Middle East.
Customs Relaxes Back-to-Town Rules
A key relief measure has been introduced by the Jawaharlal Nehru Customs House (JNCH) to simplify the movement of export containers back to the domestic market through the Back-to-Town (BTT) process.
Under the revised procedure:
- Containers with intact seals will be permitted BTT movement after basic verification
- Containers at Container Yards require only e-seal verification
- Containers at Container Freight Stations undergo limited inspection linked to the shipping bill
- Detailed physical examination requirements have been waived
- BTT fees and penalties have been removed
These changes aim to ease congestion and speed up cargo evacuation.
Customs Relaxes Back-to-Town Rules
A key relief measure has been introduced by the Jawaharlal Nehru Customs House (JNCH) to simplify the movement of export containers back to the domestic market through the Back-to-Town (BTT) process.
Under the revised procedure:
- Containers with intact seals will be permitted BTT movement after basic verification
- Containers at Container Yards require only e-seal verification
- Containers at Container Freight Stations undergo limited inspection linked to the shipping bill
- Detailed physical examination requirements have been waived
- BTT fees and penalties have been removed
These changes aim to ease congestion and speed up cargo evacuation.
Situation Showing Signs of Improvement
According to JNPA officials, the coordinated response has already helped ease congestion.
The number of stranded containers has fallen from approximately 5,000 TEUs on March 1 to about 3,200 TEUs as of March 8.
Similarly, stranded perishable containers have reduced from 2,000 to roughly 1,000.
Chairperson Gaurav Dayal said the port authority remains committed to supporting exporters.
“JNPA is closely monitoring the evolving situation and remains fully committed to supporting the EXIM community. Our focus is to identify practical solutions that minimise disruption and ensure seamless port operations.”
Ports Prepare for Extended Geopolitical Impact
JNPA continues to coordinate with the Ministry, shipping lines, terminal operators and the trade community to stabilise cargo movement.
Authorities are also exploring additional measures to protect supply chains as geopolitical tensions continue to affect global shipping routes and maritime trade flows.
