Mundra Port Strike Disrupts EXIM Movement, Holds Up 5,000 Containers Daily.

Empty-container yard operators oppose APSEZ’s new yard-code policy, raising concerns over delays and rising logistics costs.

Around 5,000 containers a day are reportedly being held up at Mundra Port amid a strike by empty-container yard operators, disrupting import-export (EXIM) movement. The Mundra Empty Container Yards & Allied Services Provider Association (MECYASA) suspended operations to protest Adani Ports and SEZ’s (APSEZ) decision to freeze empty-yard codes outside port limits from September 1. The new arrangement requires shipping lines to nominate empty containers to designated yards within the Mundra SEZ. The disruption has affected the return of empty import containers and the availability of containers for export cargo. Shipping lines, including MSC and Ocean Network Express, have issued customer advisories about possible delays. The Mundra Customs Brokers’ Association has urged shipping lines to provide alternative nominated locations and extend delivery permissions without additional charges. The Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations of India has also sought government intervention, citing stranded vehicles, missed vessel cut-offs, shipment rollovers, detention charges and higher handling and transportation costs.