Daijiworld Media Network - Vasco

Vasco, Nov 9: The prolonged Iran-US conflict and the resulting disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have severely affected port-related businesses at Mormugao Port Authority (MPA), leaving cargo operations at Delta Ports' berths 10 and 11 largely idle for several months.

However, reports that Iran has allowed Indian vessels to pass through the strategic waterway have raised hopes of a gradual revival in cargo movement and shipping-related activities.

Delta Ports Mormugao Terminal Private Limited, which operates berths 10 and 11 at MPA, is among the stakeholders hit by the disruption, as a significant share of the cargo handled at these facilities originates from the Middle East.

The two berths primarily handle commodities such as gypsum, bauxite, muriate of potash, urea and liquid ammonia, along with other industrial raw materials. Shipments of these commodities, which previously arrived through established shipping routes, have been severely affected 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. The disruption had extended beyond vessel movements to the availability and cost of essential raw materials, he said.

The fertiliser sector has also come under considerable pressure, with shipments of raw materials delayed and prices rising sharply amid supply disruptions. The uncertainty has affected the regular cargo flow that previously supported operations at the berths.

Kotkar said reports of restrictions being relaxed for Indian vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz had generated optimism among port stakeholders. They are hopeful that cargo movements will gradually resume and business activity will return to normal.

For companies operating at Mormugao Port, the reopening of shipping routes is crucial not only for restoring vessel calls but also for restarting cargo handling, logistics and associated commercial activities.

Although the reported passage permitted to Indian vessels is an encouraging development, stakeholders will be watching whether it leads to sustained shipping movements and the restoration of regular cargo schedules.