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DG Shipping Directs Ports to Aid Exporters, Issues Safety Advisory for Seafarers

The Directorate General of Shipping has directed ports to ensure all approved concessions, such as detention charge waivers, are directly and transparently passed on to exporters with cargo stranded in the Persian Gulf region due to the West Asia crisis. Port authorities are made responsible for monitoring terminal-level compliance to ensure benefits reach exporters without delay. Simultaneously, the regulator has issued a safety advisory for Indian seafarers in and around Iranian waters, advising them to remain vigilant and limit movements. The move also aims to ensure exporters can avail claims under the Rs 497 crore RELIEF scheme while addressing transparency in war risk premiums.

Key Points: DG Shipping Mandates Port Concessions for Exporters Amid Crisis

  • Ports must pass concessions to exporters
  • Monitor compliance at terminal level
  • Ensure transparency in war risk premiums
  • Safety advisory for seafarers near Iran
  • Seafarers advised to stay indoors, limit travel
2 min read

DG Shipping asks ports to provide concessions to exporters, advises seafarers to remain safe

DG Shipping directs ports to pass on concessions to exporters with stranded cargo in the Persian Gulf and issues a safety advisory for Indian seafarers.

"concessions granted by port authorities... are not being uniformly passed on to the exporters - DG Shipping Circular"

New Delhi, April 9

Amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, Directorate General of Shipping has directed ports to ensure concessions for exporters with stranded cargo in the war-affected Persian Gulf region.

According to a circular, "it has been observed that concessions granted by port authorities particularly relating to detention charges, ground rent, reefer plug-in (connected load), and similar terminal charges are not being uniformly passed on to the exporters".

The DG Shipping circular said that all concessions approved by Port Authorities will be directly and transparently passed on to the concerned stakeholders, including freight forwarders and NVOCCs who in turn shall reflect the same to the exporters.

Port authorities have also been made responsible to monitor compliance at the terminal level to ensure the benefit of such concessions reaches the intended beneficiaries without delay.

The regulator advised ports and terminal operators to ensure strict compliance in order to maintain transparency in cost structures, protect exporter interests, and ensure operational continuity during the ongoing crisis.

The move is to ensure that exporters can avail claims under the Rs 497 crore Resilience and Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF) scheme.

Shipping lines are specifically instructed to maintain full transparency and auditability in such cases," DG Shipping said, adding the war risk premium being levied on cargo has also "undergone changes which may not be fully aligned with the earlier directives".

"The matter is being taken up with insurance providers", it added.

Meanwhile, DG Shipping has also issued a safety advisory for Indian seafarers in and around the Iranian waters.

In view of the prevailing security situation, seafarers ashore are advised to remain indoors, avoid sensitive locations, and coordinate movements with the Embassy of India.

Those onboard vessels are instructed to stay onboard and limit unnecessary shore travel. All personnel are urged to remain vigilant, follow official updates, and stay in continuous contact with company representatives and authorities, according to the advisory.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The safety advisory for our seafarers is the most important part. My brother works on a container ship and we are constantly worried. Clear instructions from the DG and coordination with our embassy is very reassuring. Stay safe everyone.
R
Rajesh Q
Good step, but implementation is everything. Ports and terminals have a habit of finding loopholes. The DG must name and shame those who don't pass on the benefits. Our export competitiveness depends on such support during crises.
P
Priyanka N
The RELIEF scheme is a good initiative, but ₹497 crore might not be enough if this crisis prolongs. The government should be ready with a larger package. Also, kudos for thinking about the seafarers' safety. Jai Hind.
M
Michael C
As a freight forwarder, I welcome the directive for transparency. The lack of uniform application of concessions creates confusion and disputes. A clear, auditable process will help everyone in the logistics chain.
K
Kavya N
While the support for exporters is needed, I have a respectful criticism. This circular seems reactive. Shouldn't there have been a standard operating procedure ready before the crisis escalated? Proactive policy is better than firefighting.
V
Varun X
Our prayers are with the Indian sailors in the region. The advisory

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