29.08.07

Current update on the news posted below:

The National Port Workers strike has been deferred to 19 Sept 2007 and negotiation with Port Trust and Ministry of Commerce is still going on. If the talks again fail after the 19 Sept 2007, work stoppage may be inevitable. We shall keep all the concerned posted of the proceedings thereof.

22.08.07
National Port Workers Union in India has officially notified the Ports and Ministries of a proposed National Port Workers’ Strike to be called on 1st Sept 07 if their welfare demands are not met.

Container Shipping Lines Association, on behalf of shipping lines operating in and out of India, has taken actions by writing to MOS, Port Chairman and Prime Minister’s office to intervene to avert this strike.

If the strike does go ahead, it will mainly affect the government operated terminal and ports like Kolkata/Haldia, Kandla, JNPCT and Cochin. Most of OOCL services are calling at private terminals at NSICT (NHV), Mundra, Tuticorin and Chennai. The terminals and container handling infrastructure in India generally do not have any capacity to handle a prolonged strike and hence container movement will therefore depend heavily on private terminals. If the dispute becomes protracted and given lack of back up facilities, it is likely to result in serious congestion since September and October are peak season for import.

All our services including CIX/AIM/IDX/GIS are calling at DPW operated NSICT at NHV and we do not expect any disruption unless strike is protracted with spill over effect. We are monitoring the situation closely and please feel free to contact us should you need further information or clarification.