Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority Forms Task Force for Cargo

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority has set up a multi-departmental task force to ease stranded cargo movement after disruptions triggered by the Iran war affected vessel schedules and exports to the Middle East. The move aims to stabilize operations at India’s busiest container port in Navi Mumbai as global trade routes face uncertainty.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority said the number of stranded containers has already started falling. Cargo stuck at the port dropped to about 3,200 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) on March 8 from around 5,000 TEUs recorded on March 1, showing early results from coordinated action by authorities and trade stakeholders.

The newly formed task force includes officials from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Customs, the Directorate General of Shipping and the port’s traffic department. The group will work together to manage vessel schedules, coordinate with exporters and shipping lines, and ensure export cargo moves smoothly despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.

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The step follows a standard operating procedure issued by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to reduce the impact of the current geopolitical situation on India’s trade flows. Authorities are working to prevent congestion at the port and maintain steady export operations, especially for shipments bound for Middle Eastern markets.

“JNPA is closely monitoring the evolving situation and remains fully committed to supporting the EXIM community,” said Gaurav Dayal, chairman. “We are in constant consultation with the ministry, Customs authorities, terminal operators and trade stakeholders to explore relief measures that can ease cargo movement and minimize disruption.”

Officials said continuous coordination between government agencies, port operators and exporters will remain crucial in keeping cargo moving while the regional conflict continues to affect maritime trade routes and shipping schedules.