Mangaluru: The Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has urged the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) to implement relief measures for exporters and importers affected by the ongoing geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East.

The request was made following a meeting convened by NMPA on March 9, 2026, where stakeholders discussed the impact of global shipping disruptions on India’s export–import (EXIM) trade.

KCCI appreciated the proactive initiative taken by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, in issuing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Major Ports to mitigate the effects of geopolitical instability in the Middle East.

Strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz

The chamber pointed out that the Strait of Hormuz plays a vital role in global maritime trade and directly influences India’s EXIM supply chain.

A significant volume of crude oil, LPG, LNG, containers, and other cargo passes through this strategic route. However, the ongoing geopolitical tensions and war-related developments in the region have disrupted the global shipping network and maritime logistics.

As a result, exporters and importers are facing multiple operational challenges, including vessel delays, cargo congestion, schedule disruptions, and increased logistics costs.

Cargo congestion at New Mangalore Port

According to KCCI, the region’s infrastructure, particularly connectivity through the NH-66 and NH-75 corridors, normally supports efficient cargo evacuation and promotes containerised trade through New Mangalore Port.

However, due to the current geopolitical disturbances, the supply chain has been adversely affected and trade operations have slowed significantly.

At present, 106 TEUs of container cargo are held up at NMPA, causing operational and financial stress to exporters, importers, and logistics stakeholders.

Request for concessions under SOP provisions

KCCI has requested NMPA authorities to extend relief measures under the SOP issued by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on March 6, 2026, particularly the provisions that empower major ports to provide support during extraordinary circumstances.

The chamber has proposed several measures to ease the burden on the EXIM community, including:

  • Concessions or relaxation in Vessel Related Charges (VRC)
  • Free ground rent until the situation stabilises
  • Allocation of dedicated yard space for stacking export containers or cargo returned for Back-to-Town movement
  • Provision of a designated covered shed for food-grade cargo requiring destuffing and stuffing before Back-to-Town movement, ensuring proper sanitation and ventilation
  • Facilitating transshipment containers and breakbulk consignments that shipping agents may divert to New Mangalore Port for Middle East destinations

Ensuring trade resilience during crisis

KCCI stated that implementing these relief measures would significantly reduce the financial and operational pressure faced by exporters and logistics operators.

The chamber noted that such support would help the EXIM community sustain operations during the current global disruptions while maintaining the competitiveness of trade through New Mangalore Port.

KCCI has requested NMPA to consider the representation sympathetically and extend the necessary assistance to the trade fraternity during this challenging period.

The chamber also expressed confidence that timely intervention by port authorities would strengthen trade resilience and supply chain stability for exporters and importers operating through the port.