Indian ports are making every effort to keep the country's
supply chain intact in the face of rising COVID-19 cases, and both private and
public sector terminal operators are contributing to the cause. The Indian
government, which owns 12 major ports in the country, has been ensuring supply
chain continuity by keeping the ports functional in the face of partial
lockdowns across many states. Many of the largest private ports in the country
have taken extra steps to ensure the continuous inflow of vital medical
equipment and supplies.
At the port of Mundra - India's largest container port,
overtaking Mumbai's JNPT earlier this year – operator Adani Group has
prioritized oxygen shipments and worker safety.
“Oxygen is a prime requirement, and we have given priority
to any ship bringing in cryogenic tanks, liquid oxygen in cylinders. The cargo
is taken off and promptly transported to the required destinations with minimal
loss of time,” said Sandeep Mehta, President of Business Development at Adani
Ports & Special Economic Zone (APSEZ).
“We have concentrated on two things at all our ports – the
safety of our staff, and the continuity of our business,” he added. “For the
safety of the staff at Mundra, we are following all the necessary Covid-related
protocols, including social distancing, the minimum number of staff at the
operating requirements, ensuring that people work in shifts, providing
sanitation, keeping key people in a special area. We had made some provision
for people to stay on the premises so that their rotation can be done
seamlessly.”
In addition to the effects of skyrocketing freight rates,
India’s record-setting COVID outbreak has taken a toll on overall cargo
volumes. Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Mansukh Mandaviya
said, “Due to COVID-related disruptions, there was a significant fall in cargo
handling at the 12 major ports . . . during the financial year ended 31 March
2021, compared to fiscal 2019-20."