New Delhi, April 09: The Directorate General of Shipping has directed port authorities to ensure that concessions granted to mitigate disruptions in the Persian Gulf region are fully passed on to exporters, amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.
In a recent circular, the regulator highlighted that benefits such as detention charge waivers, ground rent relief, and reefer plug-in cost reductions are not being uniformly transferred to exporters. It mandated that all approved concessions must be transparently extended to stakeholders, including freight forwarders and non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs), who are required to reflect the same in their billing to exporters.
Port authorities have been tasked with monitoring compliance at the terminal level to ensure timely and direct transmission of these benefits. The directive aims to maintain transparency in cost structures, safeguard exporter interests, and ensure operational continuity during the crisis.
The move is also intended to enable exporters to effectively avail benefits under the Resilience and Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF) scheme, valued at ₹497 crore.
Additionally, shipping lines have been instructed to maintain full transparency and auditability in charges, particularly in light of fluctuations in war risk premiums, which the regulator noted may not be fully aligned with earlier directives. The issue is currently under discussion with insurance providers.
Separately, the Directorate General of Shipping issued a safety advisory for Indian seafarers operating in and around Iranian waters. Personnel ashore have been advised to remain indoors, avoid sensitive areas, and coordinate closely with the Embassy of India, while those onboard vessels have been instructed to limit shore travel and remain vigilant.
The measures reflect a broader effort to stabilise trade operations and ensure the safety of maritime personnel amid heightened geopolitical risks in the region.
