Whalesbook
Advisories sent to individual ports are driving this move, as uniform central guidelines for all ports proved unworkable. Mukesh Mangal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, confirmed that ports are now displaying eligible container concessions on their websites. This aims to ensure exporters receive these benefits transparently. Jawaharlal Nehru Port, for example, has already provided concessions totaling about Rs 22 crore since the West Asia crisis escalated.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal recently warned that shipping lines should not exploit the West Asia crisis for profiteering. Reinforcing these efforts, India's Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) has ordered ports to immediately implement these concessions for exporters with stranded cargo bound for the Gulf, cutting out lengthy reimbursement processes. DG Shipping also highlighted concerns over increased war-risk insurance premiums on cargo, directing shipping lines to pass these revisions onto freight charges transparently and proportionally.
Port authorities are now tasked with monitoring compliance at the terminal level, ensuring that concession benefits reach exporters without delay. DG Shipping urged ports and terminal operators to enforce strict adherence to maintain cost transparency, safeguard exporter interests, and ensure smooth operations during the ongoing crisis. One port has reportedly extended these concessions through April 2026.