Gandhidham Chamber urges Shipping Lines to Waive Charges amid Global Shipping Disruptions

GANDHIDHAM: The Gandhidham Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) has urged global shipping lines and port operators to extend temporary relief to the trade community by waiving several charges that have surged amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting global shipping and logistics.

In a formal representation addressed to shipping lines and relevant authorities, the apex trade body of the Kutch region highlighted the severe impact of the prevailing war situation involving the United States, Israel and Iran on international shipping routes and supply chains. The Chamber noted that the Gandhidham–Kandla region, owing to its proximity to major ports such as Kandla and Mundra, serves as a key hub for India’s shipping and logistics activities, and disruptions in global trade are beginning to significantly affect the region’s EXIM ecosystem.

According to GCCI, the uncertain geopolitical environment has already led to delays, renegotiations, and disruptions in import and export orders. At the same time, shipping lines have sharply increased freight rates and associated charges, placing a substantial financial burden on exporters, importers, freight forwarders, and logistics operators. The Chamber stated that it has received numerous representations from members of the trade community expressing concern over the mounting costs.

Recognising that extraordinary geopolitical developments can disrupt normal shipping operations, GCCI nevertheless emphasised that shipping lines and the trade community are closely interlinked components of the global EXIM ecosystem. The Chamber therefore called for cooperation from shipping lines to mitigate the adverse impact of the ongoing crisis.

Key Relief Measures Sought

In its letter, GCCI requested shipping lines and terminal operators to consider several immediate relief measures to ease the financial strain on the trade community:

• Waiver of Detention Charges: Shipping lines have been urged not to levy detention charges on containers affected by operational delays caused by the conflict, as these disruptions are beyond the control of shippers and consignees.
• Waiver of Booking Cancellation Charges: The Chamber requested that cancellation charges be waived for shipments on Middle East routes where bookings have been amended or cancelled due to war-related uncertainties.
• Terminal-Level Waivers: Port terminals have been requested to suspend or waive charges such as Shut-Out charges, Back-To-Town (BTT) charges, Ground Rent and Storage charges wherever applicable.
• Waiver of War Risk Premium on Existing Shipments: GCCI has also sought relief from war risk premium charges for containers already loaded on vessels or those that sailed on or before 28 February, prior to the escalation of the conflict. GCCI-K-547

The Chamber cautioned that the retrospective imposition of war-related charges on shipments executed under normal commercial conditions could place an undue financial burden on trade participants.

Concern Over Trade Sustainability

GCCI President Shri Teja Kangad, in the communication, warned that unilateral and excessive charges imposed during the crisis are creating significant financial stress for freight forwarders and the broader logistics community. Such developments, he noted, could adversely affect the operational sustainability of trade and disrupt the smooth functioning of the entire EXIM ecosystem if left unaddressed.

Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, the Chamber has also sought intervention from Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, along with other authorities, requesting their support in facilitating a balanced and timely resolution in the larger interest of India’s trade and shipping industry.

The Gandhidham Chamber expressed hope that shipping lines and port stakeholders would respond positively and support the trade community during what it described as an extraordinary and challenging phase for global commerce.