The largest container terminal at India's Nhava Sheva Port (JNPA) is buckling under an unexpected surge of transhipment cargo. If your supply chain relies on smooth movement through this critical gateway, here's what you need to know-and how the right logistics partner can help you stay ahead of the disruption.
What's happening on the ground
Over the past few weeks, PSA Mumbai-the port's largest box terminal, also known as Bharat Mumbai Container Terminals (BMCT)-has been taking the brunt of a cargo buildup triggered by Middle East shipping disruptions. With vessels rerouting away from Gulf ports, carriers have been discharging massive volumes of transhipment boxes at JNPA for temporary storage. The numbers tell the story: BMCT handled some 59,000 TEUs of transhipment cargo in March and another 64,000 TEUs in April-the largest share of JNPA's Middle East-linked additional volumes.
And that's where the trouble begins.
Long truck queues at terminal gates, chaotic cargo evacuation, and a severe shortage of drivers have slowed everything down. Customs house agents warn that containers are staying inside the terminal far beyond acceptable cycle times, and "first-in, first-out" discipline has broken down entirely. Some shipments are missing scheduled vessel connections, and exporters are struggling to meet contractual obligations with their overseas buyers.
A nationwide logistics headache
The challenge isn't confined to JNPA alone. India's ports are experiencing sustained disruption, with the seven-day average vessel waiting time at Nhava Sheva and Mundra currently running at about 2.5 days. On-time vessel arrivals at Nhava Sheva have dropped from 50% to just 33% in recent weeks, meaning more than one in three vessels are arriving significantly behind schedule. At the same time, the combination of diverted cargo, tight yard space, and reduced driver availability is creating a ripple effect that extends well beyond the port gates.
Carriers are responding by making last-minute terminal shuffles-Maersk, for instance, recently announced it would temporarily dock certain voyages at BMCT instead of its regular facility due to yard space constraints. But these ad-hoc adjustments bring their own headaches: planning disruptions for shippers, and potential variations in terminal handling charges that can trickle down to contract terms.
What this means for your business
When a major gateway grinds to a halt, the real cost isn't just in demurrage or detention fees-it's in stalled production lines, missed sales windows, and strained customer relationships. If your cargo is stuck in the backlog, or if you're trying to plan upcoming shipments through JNPA without clear visibility into terminal conditions, you're navigating an exceptionally volatile environment.
How XMAE Logistics can help you keep moving
At XMAE Logistics, we don't just watch these disruptions from the sidelines-we help our clients work through them. Here's how:
- Real-time visibility and proactive routing. When ports get congested, knowing where your cargo is at every moment isn't a luxury-it's a necessity. Our real-time tracking capabilities mean you'll never be left guessing whether your shipment has cleared the terminal or is still stuck in the queue. We monitor terminal conditions continuously and adjust routing strategies before delays turn into crises.
- Alternative gateway strategy. As industry reports suggest, carriers are already exploring other port options in India beyond Nhava Sheva and Mundra as inland space tightens. XMAE Logistics leverages a broad network of ocean carrier relationships and port options to reroute shipments when conditions at a particular terminal deteriorate. Whether it's shifting to an alternate Indian gateway or exploring transhipment through other regional hubs, we keep your cargo flowing.
- Priority treatment and lane expertise. We don't just book space-we secure priority vessel selection and guaranteed space on key trade lanes. That means when terminals are overwhelmed, your cargo isn't competing with everyone else for a spot on the vessel. And with deep expertise in India-China and global trade routes, we know how to navigate the unique operational challenges that emerge during congestion events.
- End-to-end supply chain coordination. Delays at the port don't exist in a vacuum-they impact warehousing, inland transportation, and final delivery. XMAE Logistics coordinates every link in your supply chain so that when a vessel runs late or a terminal gets backed up, we're already rebooking trucking, adjusting warehouse schedules, and keeping your customers informed.
Staying ahead of the next wave
While JNPA authorities have announced proactive measures and some stakeholders expect conditions to stabilise by early June, the underlying reality is that Middle East-related disruptions aren't going away overnight. Transhipment volumes into Indian ports have grown from 5% to 16% of total handling, and ports are still adapting to this new normal.
The takeaway? Working with a logistics partner who has the visibility, agility, and carrier relationships to navigate congestion isn't just about avoiding delays-it's about protecting your business's reputation and bottom line.
XMAE Logistics specialises in freight forwarding solutions that cut through the complexity of global trade. From priority sea freight and air cargo to customs brokerage and real-time shipment visibility, we help businesses keep supply chains moving-even when ports get crowded. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your shipping needs through India's evolving port landscape.
