The Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) has issued a strategic advisory to all port users, shipping agents, and stakeholders to prioritise the handling of vessels carrying essential commodities such as crude oil, LNG, LPG, and fertilisers.
This move comes in response to a directive from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways dated April 7, 2026, which raised concerns over ongoing geopolitical developments in the Middle East.
The Ministry has identified that the evolving situation near the Strait of Hormuz could disrupt global maritime supply chains, particularly impacting the movement of energy and agricultural cargoes from the Gulf region.
To safeguard national energy security and ensure the continuity of domestic supplies, the MPA will now accord priority berthing to vessels transporting critical goods.
These essential commodities specifically include crude oil, LNG, LPG, and fertilizers. Such priority will be granted based on the recommendations or requests of the relevant Nodal Ministry, provided the measures remain operationally feasible for the port.
While the Port Authority continues to require the timely submission of statutory documents, it has signaled a shift toward a more facilitative administrative approach.
Under the new guidance, minor procedural or documentation issues may be handled leniently to prevent undue delays, provided that safety, security, and environmental standards are not compromised.
This directive applies to all major terminal operators, including South West Port Ltd and Adani Mormugao Port Terminal, as the port seeks full cooperation to maintain supply chain stability during this period of international volatility.
