Earlier this week, Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai had issued an order advising on non-charging of container detention charges on imports and exports. However, there was a need felt to ensure that the benefits extended by the ports are passed on to the end customers for this duration for trade in non-containerized cargo also (i.e. bulk, break-bulk and liquids cargo) for smooth functioning of the trade and maintenance of supply chain in the country.
Keeping this in mind, DGS has in yesterday’s order stated that all shipping companies or Carriers (and their agents by whatever name called) are advised not to charge, levy or recover any demurrage, ground rent beyond allowed free period, storage charges at the port, additional anchorage charge, berth hire charges or vessel demurrage or any performance related penalties on the cargo owners/consignees of non-containerized cargo (i.e. bulk, brake-bulk and liquids cargo) whether LCL or not, for this period from 22nd March, 2020 to 14th April, 2020 (both days inclusive), due to delay in evacuation of cargo caused by reasons attributable to lockdown measures since 22th March 2020.
The above exemption/remission shall be over and above free time arrangement that is currently agreed and availed as part of any negotiated contractual terms. During this period the shipping companies (and their agents) are also advised not impose any new or additional charge. This decision is a one time measure to factor-in the present situation arising out of the COVID-l9 pandemic.
Additionally, the Ministry of Shipping, GoI has also directed all the major ports in their yesterday’s order, to consider exemption or remission of demurrage, ground rent beyond allowed free period, penal anchorage/berth hire charges and any other performance related penalties that may be levied on port related activities for the reasons attributable to lock down measures for the duration from 22nd March to 14th April 2020.
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