The Mundra Empty Container Yards & Allied Services Provider Association (MECYASA) suspended operations from Friday (29 Aug) last week in protest against a move by Adani Ports and SEZ (APSEZ) to freeze empty-yard codes located outside the port limits from September 1.   Under the proposed arrangement, shipping lines would be required to nominate empty containers to designated yards located within the Mundra SEZ. The standoff has disrupted the return of empty import containers and affected the availability of empty containers required for factory-stuffing of export cargo. Several shipping lines, including MSC and Ocean Network Express (ONE), have issued customer advisories warning of potential delays and operational disruptions.

MCBA Secretary Manoj Kotak said the EXIM trade should not be forced to bear additional costs resulting from the disruption.

“The EXIM trade has neither caused this disruption nor possesses the authority to resolve it,” Kotak said.

MCBA has urged shipping lines to provide alternative nominated locations, extend delivery orders and related permissions without additional charges, and absorb any extra costs arising from the disruption. The association has also advised importers, exporters and customs brokers to document unsuccessful attempts to return containers and preserve all relevant records to support claims related to delays and additional expenses.   Meanwhile, the Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) has sought intervention from the Directorate General of Shipping, highlighting the impact on the EXIM supply chain, including stranded vehicles, missed vessel cut-offs, shipment rollovers, detention charges, and additional handling and transportation costs.   Shipping lines have advised customers to review export plans and make alternative arrangements to minimise the impact of the disruption.

The continuing standoff has raised concerns over mounting costs and delays for exporters and importers using Mundra, one of India’s key gateways for containerised EXIM trade.