Container lines are wrestling with growing service reliability challenges on connections out of India – the longer journey around southern Africa and congestion problems at hub ports en-route, particularly Jebel Ali, have taken a toll on their operations.
Port call changes
CMA CGM and MSC have announced port call changes on several Indian services to help schedule recovery, sparking serious concerns for shippers and forwarders.
In another blow to Indian cargo flows, its intra-Asia AS9 routing has multiple rotation disruptions in the offing, voiding calls at Port Kelang and Hong Kong on the upcoming voyage of X-PRESS Capella.
Premier Epic service
Additionally, CMA CGM’s premier Epic service between India and Europe has reported an array of erratic vessel arrivals in India, including the APL Barcelona that has revised ETAs of 4 May at Nhava Sheva and 6 May at Mundra, delays blamed on congestion issues at Jebel Ali.
According to industry sources, the widespread disruptions have left carriers constantly shuffling gate cut-offs or cargo carting windows for their Indian sailings over the past few weeks, making shipment planning increasingly difficult for exporters and freight forwarders.
Hans-Henrik Nielsen, global development director at Dubai-based NVO CargoGulf, voiced industry concerns over the deteriorating port flow situation. He said: “Apart from the cost, it also means delays to cargo operations, which cause congestion with trucks, port gates, collection of containers, etc.”
The concern comes as Indian trade stakeholders are betting on a rebound of goods exports, after ending fiscal year 2023-24 on a respectable note, despite multiple economic headwinds.
Did you Subscribe to our daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe
Source : Loadstar
