Amid mounting disruption to global maritime traffic triggered by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port has announced relief measures for exporters and importers, including a waiver of ground rent and dwell time charges for stranded containers.
The port, which handles nearly half of India’s containerised cargo, issued the relief in response to shipment delays and cargo congestion caused by disruptions in West Asia shipping routes.
According to a circular issued by General Manager (Traffic) Girish Thomas, all terminal operators at JNPT will provide a 100 per cent waiver on ground rent and dwell time charges for up to 15 days, from February 28 to March 14, 2026, for containers that were already inside terminals from February 2, 2026, or those that gated in until 7:00 a.m. on March 8, 2026.
Additionally, terminal operators will waive 80 per cent of reefer plug-in charges for 15 days for stranded refrigerated containers carrying perishable goods. This concession applies to reefer containers that were inside terminals from February 28 or those that gated in until 7:00 a.m. on March 8.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority said its Chairperson Gaurav Daya is in constant contact with senior officials and stakeholders and is monitoring the evolving situation round-the-clock.
JNPT currently operates five container terminals: Nhava Sheva Free Port Terminal, Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal, Nhava Sheva India Gateway Terminal, Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal, and GTI‑APM Terminal.
These facilities are operated by a mix of global and domestic port operators, including DP World, PSA International, APM Terminals, and JM Baxi Group.
In line with directives issued by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the port authority said it is extending necessary support to the EXIM community during the crisis.
Prior to the latest measures, JNPT and its terminal operators had already introduced relief steps, including allowing stranded containers to remain in terminal yards until shipments resume. The port has also been coordinating with Customs authorities to facilitate the temporary storage of laden containers from other Indian ports that were originally destined for Middle East markets.
Additionally, the port authority is providing extra storage space within terminal areas to accommodate the growing volume of diverted or stranded cargo as shipping disruptions continue.
