Kandla Port Chairman Addresses Congestion Concerns in Meeting with IVPA, Assures Swift Action for Faster Discharge

New Delhi, 23 June, 2025: In a meeting with the Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association (IVPA), Chairman of Kandla Port, Mr. Sushil Kumar Singh, addressed concerns regarding vessel congestion and reaffirmed the port’s commitment to ensuring seamless discharge operations and uninterrupted edible oil supply.

Mr. Singh highlighted ongoing infrastructure enhancements, including the installation of new 14-inch pipelines and preparations to receive edible oil at two additional berths with dedicated pipelines. These proactive measures aim to ease congestion and improve turnaround times for vessels.

Responding to operational concerns raised by the IVPA, Mr. Singh took note of the association’s request to maintain the earlier system of imposing penal berth hire charges for delayed discharges, rather than shifting vessels to outer anchorage and rebirthing—an approach that imposes commercial and financial challenges on importers.

He highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts between port officials and importers to minimize post-berthing delays and ensure that all on-board formalities are completed promptly. Emphasis was placed on the timely commencement of discharge operations within the stipulated window.

To address shore-side readiness, Mr. Singh urged vessel agents to flag potential issues in advance—either before vessel arrival or during the daily berthing meetings—so they can be evaluated and resolved in a timely manner for smoother operations.

Reinforcing his commitment to stakeholder engagement, Mr. Singh welcomed inputs from all involved parties, including vessel agents, surveyors, tank terminal operators, and customs brokers. Their collaborative suggestions, he noted, will play a key role in streamlining discharge processes and strengthening operational efficiency at Kandla Port.