Shipping Lines Benefit from Special Treatment at Indian Terminals

Major shipping lines like MSC and CMA CGM are reportedly receiving special treatment at terminals where they either have a stake or business arrangements. This preferential treatment includes out of turn berthing and faster operations, while smaller lines are facing schedule disruptions and longer waiting times, leading some to make adhoc calls at other ports to avoid delays.

MSC, with stakes in Adani Ennore Container Terminal and Tuticorin Port, is said to be receiving preferential treatment at Adani ports such as Ennore and Kattupalli. Similarly, CMA CGM, in a joint venture with J.M. Baxi Group, has won concession rights to modernize and operate the oldest box terminal at Nhava Sheva. MSC vessels at Mundra Port are reportedly receiving out of turn berthing, causing smaller vessels with scheduled calls to wait longer and potentially skip calls.

As a result of the preferential treatment received by major shipping lines, many smaller lines have been diverting to other terminals, such as Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA). JNPA has reported a rise in adhoc calls requests, with transhipment volumes increasing significantly in recent months. The spike in transhipment volumes at JNPA from April to May indicates that smaller lines are seeking alternative options to avoid disruptions and delays caused by preferential treatment given to major shipping lines.

Source .