India’s devastating Covid-19 crisis is threatening operations at some of its biggest ports, raising concerns. The action could trigger shipping delays that reverberate through global supply chains.

The situation may echo global trade disruptions seen last year after virus restrictions slowed shipments into China. While India accounts for only fraction of the global trade that China does, any delays in offloading vessels and releasing them to their next destination could create supply chain bottlenecks.

India has 21.9 million tons of cargoes scheduled to arrive during May-June’21 but with labor shortages and force majeure at some ports, many of the vessels could see discharge delays. That may have a knock-on effect on scheduled loadings at the exporting countries.

In the global shipping scenario, India’s surging second wave of COVID-19 infections has dealt a hard blow to the global shipping industry as India is one of the largest suppliers of crew. The sudden surge in coronavirus infections and a shortage of vaccines have left ship workers high and dry.

It has sparked travel curbs and restrictions on Indian crews, sending shipping firms scrambling to find replacements.

Global ports are now slamming doors on Indian crew and vessels. Companies are insisting on vaccinated workers and seafarers, spelling bad news for an already stretched maritime sector.

With a growing number of seaports and airports closing their doors to seafarers to and from India, shipping companies say it’s leading to bottlenecks in crew changes. Several companies are temporarily tapping seafarers from other nations to replace Indians scheduled to board ships.

Reference:
https://www.dw.com/en/india-covid-seafarers-shipping/a-57529998
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/shipping-/-transport/india-covid-crisis-hits-work-at-its-biggest-ports-as-risk-to-trade-grows/articleshow/82633023.cms

More News
Maximising product potential with spray drying in CDMO
News · 02/03/2024

The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries constantly seek innovative methods to enhance product stability, solubility, bioavailability and ease of use. Within this realm, CDMOs [Contract Development & Manufacturing Organizations] serve as invaluable partners in the development and production of high-quality drug products.

READ MORE
Chinese New Year | Red Sea crisis | Freight Rates
News · 05/02/2024

Chinese New Year 2024 is upon us, disrupting logistics from Asia starting Feb 10th. This event is expected to impact global shipping until Feb 21. Freight rates from Asia has skyrocketed with rates to the US surging by 3.5X and Europe by 6X.

READ MORE
Shipping Titans Battle Soaring Freight Expenses & Cargo Turbulence Amidst Red Sea Upheavel
News · 02/01/2024

Amid ongoing Red Sea diversions by shipping giants like Maersk, CMA, logistics managers are globally confronting a dual challenge of escalating ocean and air freight prices alongside cargo disruptions due to

READ MORE
Continuous manufacturing (CM): A game changer for pharma
News · 01/12/2023

Why will CM be the next generation on quality?

READ MORE
ICCM5 adopts new framework
News · 31/10/2023

The Fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) concluded on 30 September in Bonn, Germany, by adopting “a comprehensive global framework that sets concrete targets and guidelines for key sectors across the entire lifecycle of chemicals”.

READ MORE
The Global Impact Of China’s Golden Week: Is Your Business Ready?
News · 29/09/2023

In October, the People’s Republic of China celebrates its annual national holiday, known as Golden Week. Similar to Chinese New Year, the entire country is on holiday, resulting in business closures and a potential 14-day halt in production and transportation of manufactured goods.

READ MORE
ECHA Adds Five Hazardous Chemicals To PIC
News · 08/09/2023

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has amended the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Regulation, EU 64/2012, to add 27 pesticides and eight industrial chemicals into Annex I, bringing the total to 295. As a result, EU exporters are now required to notify their intentions to export them from 1 November onwards.

READ MORE
Global Custom Synthesis & Manufacturing: Escalating Demand for Specialty Chemicals Drives Growth
News · 04/09/2023

The global custom synthesis and manufacturing market was valued at US$271.33 billion in 2022. The market value is expected to reach US$474.94 billion by 2028.

READ MORE
4 key Trends Reshaping Ocean freight Industry in 2023
News · 04/04/2023

The ocean freight industry is undergoing a massive transformation, as the technology and supply chain management tools are being improved by the day, impacting ocean freight rates.

READ MORE