Maritime News: India’s major west coast ports are experiencing a critical vessel bunching crisis, with JNPA (Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority) and Mundra reporting 25% vessel bunching in recent weeks. Container dwell times have skyrocketed to 7 days, compared to the standard 3-day norm, severely disrupting the supply chain for textile and pharmaceutical exporters. [linkedin]
This crisis comes amid ongoing geopolitical disturbances in the West Asia region, particularly disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping corridor that handles approximately 40% of India’s Hormuz-exposed cargo. [thenewsmill]
Key Statistics
| Metric | Current Status | Normal Standard | Impact Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vessel Bunching Rate | 25% | 0-5% | Critical |
| Container Dwell Time | 7 days | 3 days | Severe |
| Stuck Containers | 30,000+ containers stuck | Minimal | High |
| Hormuz-Exposed Cargo | 40% (textile/pharma) | N/A | Critical |
| JNPA Storage Occupancy | 1.18 lakh TEUs (67%) | 90,000-100,000 TEUs | High |
Most Affected Export Sectors: Risk Assessment
Textile Industry: Maximum Risk
- Constitutes major portion of Hormuz-exposed cargo
- Facing “shut-out” exports due to port congestion
- Backlog clogging entire facilities, making it difficult to clear delayed shipments [slguardian]
- Workers unable to clear growing delayed shipment volumes [slguardian]
Pharmaceutical Industry: $600 Million at Risk
- $31.1 billion in exports at risk due to West Asia crisis [timesofindia.indiatimes]
- Up to $600 million in pharma exports threatened by rising freight costs and maritime diversions [pharmaceuticalcommerce]
- Zero duty on key chemical inputs relief measures introduced by government [timesofindia.indiatimes]
Port-Specific Impact Analysis for CHAs
Mundra Port (Adani Ports & SEZ)
Worst affected by recent disruptions:
- Complete shipping standstill for 3 days due to flooding and capacity challenges [slguardian]
- Over half cargo moved by rail or via inland container depots (ICDs) [slguardian]
- Backlog of inward trains persists even after rail services resumed [slguardian]
- Preferential berthing for MSC and CMA CGM vessels (partners with Adani) [slguardian]
- Other shipping lines facing longer wait times, vessel diversions, and skips [slguardian]
JNPA (Nhava Sheva/Nhava Sheva Port)
Secondary congestion center:
- Truck turnaround times reaching up to 20 hours due to traffic restrictions [slguardian]
- Import delays: 12-24 hours increasingly common [slguardian]
- Export shut-outs becoming frequent [slguardian]
- Western coast ports (JNPA, Kandla) have over 30,000 containers stuck [business-standard]
Chain of Disruptions
The crisis has created cascading effects across the supply chain:
- Vessel waiting times increase → Longer berthing windows
- Rail service bottlenecks → Backlog of inward trains
- Road traffic restrictions → 20-hour truck turnaround times
- Container storage pressure → 67% capacity at JNPA (normal: lower)
- Export delays → “Shut-outs” for exporters
- Import delays → 12-24 hour clearance times
Impact on Customs House Agents (CHAs)
Increased Workload
- Extended clearance times create more work pressure
- Higher volume of delayed shipments requiring constant monitoring
- Need for proactive client communication regarding timeline changes
Operational Challenges
- Navigating traffic restrictions at port areas
- coordinating with multiple stakeholders (shipping lines, rail operators, truckers)
- Managing client expectations amid unpredictable delays
Strategic Requirements
- Real-time monitoring of vessel bunching status
- Advising clients on potential delays (especially textile/pharma exporters)
- Alternative routing options for urgent shipments
- Documentation preparation for expedited clearance where possible
Government Response
Minister Sarbananda Sonowal’s Proactive Measures (April 2026)
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways reported that 90% of cargo backlog has been cleared following timely intervention and continuous monitoring: [thenewsmill]
Key Actions Taken:
- Continuous monitoring of individual port operational status
- Innovative operational measures to clear stranded cargo
- Expanded yard capacity at major ports
- Coordinated logistics planning across port authorities
- Financial relief measures:
- Waivers on ground rent
- Concessions on reefer charges
- Direct stakeholder benefits without procedural bottlenecks [thenewsmill]
Shipping Regulator’s Intervention
- Monitoring rising surcharges levied by shipping lines for cargo movement [business-standard]
- Ensuring oil and gas tankers move toward India under special India-Iran arrangement [business-standard]
Industry Concerns
Container Freight Stations Association of India
Umesh Grover, Secretary General, warned that delays are becoming increasingly common:
“The backlog has clogged entire facilities, making it difficult for workers to clear the growing number of delayed shipments” [slguardian]
Exporters Flag “Opportunistic Pricing”
- Carriers levying excessive surcharges amid congestion crisis [indianexpress]
- Freight operators expressing frustration over escalating delays [slguardian]
- Shipping giants receiving preferential treatment while others face longer wait times [slguardian]
Current Status & Recovery
Positive Developments (As of April 2026)
- 90% backlog cleared at major Indian ports [thenewsmill]
- Significant improvements at JNPA, Deendayal Port Authority, New Mangalore Port Authority, and Mumbai Port [thenewsmill]
- Port operations largely restored to normal after initial disruptions [thenewsmill]
Remaining Challenges
- Container buildup continues to impact exporters at west coast terminals [business-standard]
- Truck turnaround times still elevated at JNPA [slguardian]
- Rail service backlog persists despite resumed services [slguardian]
Actionable Recommendations for Stakeholders
For Customs House Agents
1. Monitor Updates Continuously
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- Track real-time vessel bunching at JNPA and Mundra
- Subscribe to port authority alerts and shipping line notifications
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2. Client Communication Protocol
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- Advise textile/pharma exporters on potential delays
- Provide alternative routing options for urgent shipments
- Set realistic timeline expectations (7-day vs 3-day norm)
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3. Leverage Remote Customs Clearance
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- Use CBIC’s remote clearance procedures
- Reduce physical boarding dependencies
- Process via electronic Sea Arrival/Departure Manifests
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4. Documentation Preparation
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- Prepare expedited clearance paperwork where risk profiling allows
- Maintain updated client records for faster processing
- Track pharma duty exemption extensions beyond June 30 [timesofindia.indiatimes]
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For Exporters: Strategic Planning
1. Buffer Time Planning
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- Add 4+ days buffer for potential delays
- Avoid tight delivery schedules during congestion period
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2. Port Selection Strategy
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- Consider alternative ports for urgent deliveries
- Monitor vessel bunching updates before shipment
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3. Relief Measure Utilization
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- Apply for ground rent waivers and reefer charge concessions
- Track government relief measure announcements
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4. Client Negotiation
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- Negotiate with carriers on freight surcharges
- Monitor “opportunistic pricing” flag from exporters [indianexpress]
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For Importers
- Expect 12-24 hour clearance delays for imports
- Coordinate with transporters for extended pickup times
- Monitor container availability in current shortage situation
- Plan inventory with congestion timeline considerations
Future Outlook: What CHAs Should Expect
The vessel bunching crisis remains critical but improving. Key factors affecting recovery:
Positive Indicators:
- 90% backlog clearance shows momentum
- Government financial relief measures implemented
- Port operations largely restored
Risk Factors:
- West Asia geopolitical stability (Strait of Hormuz status)
- Weather conditions affecting Mundra operations
- Shipping line partnership dynamics and berthing fairness
- Container shortage continuation
CHAs Should: Continue monitoring, maintain proactive client communication, and prepare for extended clearance timelines during instability periods.
Contact Information for CHAs
For vessel bunching updates and clearance assistance:
- JNPA Port Authority: Monitor official website for real-time updates
- Mundra Port: Adani Ports & SEZ port operations notifications
- Customs Broader Licensing: Contact CBIC for remote clearance procedures
About Maritime News: India’s independent maritime industry news portal covering shipping, ports, seafarers, shipbuilding, maritime infrastructure, offshore energy, and supply chain developments[maritimenews]
