Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 16: The Directorate General of Shipping has facilitated the safe return of 286 Indian seafarers from the Gulf region so far, including 33 repatriations in the past 48 hours, the government said on Monday.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the DG Shipping Control Room has handled 3,030 phone calls and around 5,497 emails from seafarers, their families, and maritime stakeholders seeking assistance since it became operational. In the last 48 hours alone, officials responded to more than 310 calls and 597 emails.
The ministry said major ports across India are closely tracking vessel movements and cargo operations while extending support to shipping lines and cargo operators. These measures include concessions on anchorage, berth hire, and storage charges, along with coordination with customs authorities and other agencies to ensure smooth cargo handling.
Authorities confirmed that all Indian seafarers in the region are safe, and no maritime incidents involving them have been reported in the past 24 hours.
At present, 22 Indian-flagged vessels carrying 611 seafarers remain west of the Persian Gulf. The Directorate General of Shipping is monitoring the situation in coordination with shipowners, Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agencies, and Indian diplomatic missions.
The ministry also said that Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has provided temporary transshipment storage for containers destined for the Middle East. The port has also granted 100% rebates on ground rent and dwell-time charges and about 80% rebate on reefer container plug-in charges for up to 15 days for containers originating from JNPA.
Officials noted that there is currently no congestion at any major port, with export-bound containers at JNPA dropping from about 5,600 to nearly 3,900. Ports are also offering safe anchorage to loaded vessels bound for Gulf destinations that are temporarily unable to transit.
An inter-ministerial coordination group, led by the Directorate General of Shipping and including representatives from customs, ports, and other maritime stakeholders, has been established to resolve operational challenges.
The ministry said it continues to work closely with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions abroad, shipping companies, and maritime organisations to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers while maintaining uninterrupted maritime trade and port operations.