Lockdown extended, impact on port ops

21 Apr 2020 / India

India’s Prime Minister has further extended the nationwide lockdown which started on 25 March, until 3 May, to stem the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

Ports have been struggling due to shortage of workers to move cargoes, particularly for dry bulk shipments. Vessel movements almost halted because of the lockdown and quarantine measures taken by the government to control coronavirus pandemic and the resultant delays, due to manpower shortage and logistics problems at the ports.

Even though port services have been brought under the ‘Essential Services List’, some vessels which came alongside berths have encountered difficulties in carrying out cargo operations as only 20-25% of the total workforce were present. There is also a shortage of trucks, which is badly affecting cargo evacuation alongside berths and at storage yards.

For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in India, contact GAC India at [email protected]

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