Transhipment rush brings congestion to JNPA’s largest box terminal

Bharat Mumbai Container Terminals (BMCT), the flagship facility at Nhava Sheva Port (JNPA) operated by PSA International, is currently grappling with severe operational bottlenecks. A sudden surge in transhipment volumes has triggered significant gate congestion and cargo handling delays, drawing sharp criticism from customs house agents. While recent infrastructure upgrades initially promised efficiency, the current influx of container vessels has overwhelmed terminal capacity, forcing logistics providers and shipping lines to navigate extended dwell times and mounting port clearance challenges.

These operational disruptions necessitate strict adherence to the IMO Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL Convention), which mandates efficient port clearance procedures to minimize vessel turnaround times. Furthermore, under SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code, port facilities must maintain secure and orderly access points; however, gate congestion often complicates the movement of essential ship supplies and crew changes. Compliance departments must monitor these delays closely, as prolonged port stays can impact MARPOL Annex VI compliance regarding auxiliary engine emissions while vessels remain at berth.

For masters and navigating officers, these delays require proactive communication with terminal operators and local agents to manage vessel berthing schedules effectively. Navigating officers must ensure that all electronic pre-arrival documentation remains accurate to avoid further administrative penalties during these congestion periods. Masters should prioritize crew fatigue management during extended standby hours, ensuring that watchkeeping schedules remain compliant with STCW requirements despite the unpredictable nature of the current terminal bottleneck at JNPA.