Hapag-Lloyd has warned customers that operations at empty-container yard operations connected to Mundra are affected by the strike, with empty-container allotments for factory stuffing and empty-container gate-ins suspended until further notice. Container freight station operations remain unaffected.
The disruption began after Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), which operates Mundra, moved to bring empty export-import containers into designated yards within the Mundra special economic zone from September 1. Under the new arrangement, shipping lines would no longer be able to nominate empty containers to yards located outside the port limits. The Mundra Empty Container Yards & Allied Services Provider Association (MECYASA) suspended operations in opposition to the change.
“Effective 1 September 2026, empty containers may be nominated only to designated yards within the Port SEZ. In response to this directive, empty yard operators have temporarily suspended their services from 28 August 2026 and are seeking withdrawal of the directive,” CMA CGM confirmed in an advisory.
Local media quoted APSEZ as saying in a trade advisory that the move was intended to strengthen security, reduce road congestion and improve truck turnaround times. The port operator also cited instances of alleged misuse of empty-depot codes. MECYASA, however, argues that the change threatens the viability of external empty-container depots that have invested in land, equipment, container repair facilities and labour to serve shipping lines and exporters.
Mundra Customs Brokers’ Association estimates that around 5,000 containers a day are being held up as a result of the disruption, the Times of India reported. The association has warned against additional costs being passed on to importers and exporters and called on shipping lines to provide alternative nominated locations and extend relevant delivery permissions without additional charges.
The Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India has sought intervention from the Directorate General of Shipping, citing stranded vehicles, missed vessel cut-offs, shipment rollovers, detention charges and additional handling and transport costs.
“If you are planning export shipments through Mundra Port, please review your shipment plans and make the necessary arrangements considering the current constraints on empty container availability and movements,” Hapag-Lloyd told customers. “We are closely monitoring the situation and remain engaged with the relevant stakeholders.”
