Mundra port hit by empty-container yard strike; 5000 containers affected daily

Mundra: A decision by Adani Ports and SEZ (APSEZ) to restrict the movement of empty containers to offsite depots has triggered concerns among logistics stakeholders and disrupted container operations at Mundra port, with around 5,000 containers reportedly being held up every day.

APSEZ issued a trade notice last week directing shipping lines and other stakeholders to shift empty-container operations to designated depots within the Mundra port area from September 1. The company said the move would help reduce road congestion, improve vehicle turnaround time and strengthen safety and security measures. It also cited instances of alleged misuse of empty-depot codes.

The decision has, however, drawn opposition from container yard operators and customs brokers, who say it could disrupt established logistics arrangements and create difficulties for the EXIM trade.

The Mundra Empty Container Yards & Allied Services Provider Association (MECYASA) suspended operations last Friday, opposing the proposed restriction on offsite yards. The disruption has affected the return of empty import containers and the availability of empty containers for factory-stuffing of export cargo.

The Container Freight Stations Association of India has also urged APSEZ to reconsider the move, stating that restricting empty containers to port-nominated depots would reduce operational flexibility across the import-export supply chain.

Mundra Customs Brokers’ Association (MCBA) secretary Manoj Kotak said the EXIM trade was neither responsible for the disruption nor had the authority to resolve the issue.

The MCBA has warned that a prolonged shutdown of empty-container yards could cause significant hardship to cargo owners. The Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) has also sought the intervention of the Directorate General of Shipping.

DeshGujarat