VASCO
The protracted Iran-US conflict and the resulting disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have dealt a severe blow to port-related businesses at Mormugao Port Authority (MPA), with cargo operations at Delta Ports' berths 10 and 11 remaining largely idle for several months.
However, reports of Iran allowing Indian vessels passage through the strategic waterway have raised hopes of a gradual revival in cargo movement and shipping-related business.
Delta Ports Mormugao Terminal Private Limited, which operates berths 10 and 11 at MPA, has been among the affected stakeholders as a substantial portion of the cargo handled at these berths originates from the Middle East.
The two berths primarily handle commodities such as gypsum, bauxite, muriate of potash, urea and liquid ammonia, besides other industrial raw materials. Regular shipments of these commodities, which earlier arrived through established shipping routes, have been severely disrupted by the conflict, leaving the berths without cargo for extended periods.
Delta Ports Vice-President Raghoba Kotkar said the geopolitical situation had significantly affected port and shipping-related businesses, with the disruption extending beyond vessel movements to the availability and cost of essential raw materials.
The fertiliser sector has also faced considerable pressure, as shipments of raw materials have been held up and prices have escalated sharply amid supply disruptions. The uncertainty has affected the regular flow of cargo that previously sustained operations at the berths.
Kotkar said the reported relaxation of restrictions for Indian vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz had generated optimism among port stakeholders, who were hopeful that cargo movements would gradually resume and business would return to normal.
For companies operating at Mormugao Port, the revival of shipping routes is crucial not merely for restoring vessel calls but also for restarting cargo handling, logistics and associated commercial activities.
While the reported exemption for Indian vessels is an encouraging development, stakeholders will be watching whether it translates into sustained shipping movements and a revival of regular cargo schedules.
