JNPA Container Terminal Operations Uninterrupted Following Advisory by CFSAI, BCBA

JNPA Clarifies Smooth Operations at Five Container Terminals

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has issued a clarification regarding the status of its five container terminals, following recent advisories from the Container Freight Station Association of India (CFSAI) and the Brihanmumbai Custom Brokers Association (BCBA). According to JNPA, all five terminals - Nhava Sheva Free Port Terminal, Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal, Nhava Sheva (India) Gateway Terminal, PSA International-operated Bharat Mumbai Container Terminals Pvt Ltd, and APM Gateway Terminals India Pvt Ltd - are functioning smoothly and operating at full efficiency.

Container Delivery Expedited

JNPA has deployed additional manpower to expedite container delivery, despite a reduction in the number of trailers arriving at the terminals due to a shortage of drivers. The port authorities have reiterated that there is no backlog of trailers waiting for loading at the terminals. However, the pendency of import containers will only be resolved when container freight stations (CFSs) and custom brokers (CBs) mobilize sufficient trailers and drivers.

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Port Operations Not Congested

Gate operations remain steady, with around 20,000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) moving by road and 2,000 TEUs by rail every day. On an average, JNPA receives 10-12 container vessels daily, handling approximately 22,000 TEUs of containerized cargo (imports and exports) every day. The total container storage capacity of JNPA is 1.76 lakh TEUs, with occupancy ranging between 90,000-1,00,000 TEUs under normal conditions.

Occupancy Due to Delays in Trailer Mobilization

Due to increased transshipment cargo following geopolitical disturbances in West Asia, occupancy as on May 7 was recorded at 1.18 lakh TEUs, which is only 67 per cent occupancy. Of this, only 26,000 TEUs are transshipment containers, which are not causing congestion. The higher occupancy is solely due to delays in trailer mobilization by CFSs and CBs, the port authorities clarified.

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No Situation of Trailers Waiting for Loading

JNPA has stated that the situation of trailers waiting for loading does not exist, and the number of trailers arriving has reduced due to driver shortages. The port authorities have emphasized that it is the responsibility of CFSs and CBs to ensure adequate trailer availability. If drivers are unavailable due to vacation or absenteeism, CFSs and CBs must arrange immediate alternatives.

Proactive Measures

JNPA has taken various proactive measures, including facilitating evacuation of containers by rail to nearby CFSs with rail sidings and coordinating with Customs for expedited approvals to ensure smooth operations. The port authorities are also assisting trade by arranging dedicated trains from West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh to bring back drivers currently on vacation.