Sonowal Reviews Port Operations After Strait of Hormuz Disruption

15 Apr 2026 CW Team

The minister highlighted that coordinated and proactive measures, including innovative operational adjustments, enhanced yard capacity and improved logistics planning, were instrumental in preventing prolonged congestion and minimising trade disruption. He instructed port authorities to ensure that announced relief measures, such as waivers on ground rent and concessions on reefer charges, were passed to exporters, importers and logistics stakeholders without procedural delays. The ministry emphasised transparency and directed the Directorate General of Shipping to monitor shipping related charges.

The review examined the functioning of grievance redressal mechanisms and the minister directed officials to strengthen systems for swift resolution of stakeholder concerns during such disruptions. Officials informed that major ports including Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Deendayal Port Authority, New Mangalore Port Authority and Mumbai Port had largely cleared cargo that was stranded because of the conflict related disruption in shipping. Operational teams and port employees were acknowledged for enabling seamless operations despite global uncertainties.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to continuous monitoring and a state of readiness to respond to any further developments affecting the maritime sector. The approach was described as proactive, responsive and stakeholder focused, with a clear emphasis on protecting trade interests and maintaining supply chain sustainability. The review concluded with an assurance that the government would continue measures to keep India's maritime trade robust and efficient.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed port operations after disruptions linked to developments in the Strait of Hormuz and said timely intervention and continuous monitoring by the ministry had led to the clearance of nearly 90 per cent of backlog cargo across major ports. He chaired a high-level review with senior officials and port authorities to assess the operational impact and co-ordinate responses. The ministry reported rapid stabilisation of vessel traffic and cargo movement. The minister highlighted that coordinated and proactive measures, including innovative operational adjustments, enhanced yard capacity and improved logistics planning, were instrumental in preventing prolonged congestion and minimising trade disruption. He instructed port authorities to ensure that announced relief measures, such as waivers on ground rent and concessions on reefer charges, were passed to exporters, importers and logistics stakeholders without procedural delays. The ministry emphasised transparency and directed the Directorate General of Shipping to monitor shipping related charges. The review examined the functioning of grievance redressal mechanisms and the minister directed officials to strengthen systems for swift resolution of stakeholder concerns during such disruptions. Officials informed that major ports including Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Deendayal Port Authority, New Mangalore Port Authority and Mumbai Port had largely cleared cargo that was stranded because of the conflict related disruption in shipping. Operational teams and port employees were acknowledged for enabling seamless operations despite global uncertainties. The ministry reiterated its commitment to continuous monitoring and a state of readiness to respond to any further developments affecting the maritime sector. The approach was described as proactive, responsive and stakeholder focused, with a clear emphasis on protecting trade interests and maintaining supply chain sustainability. The review concluded with an assurance that the government would continue measures to keep India's maritime trade robust and efficient.

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