Vessels face uncertainty
According to communication received by port authorities, three vessels scheduled to arrive at Delta Terminal ” MV Ocean Winner, MV Happy Doves and MV Good Faith ” from the Middle East region may face delays due to the volatile security situation in Gulf waters.
The vessels were expected to berth at the newly operational Berths 10 and 11 around March 15 and 16. However, shipping lines are reviewing voyage plans amid escalating military developments affecting maritime navigation in the region. Industry sources say the uncertainty stems from heightened regional security alerts, war-risk advisories issued by maritime insurers and precautionary route adjustments by shipping companies. Port officials are coordinating with shipping lines, vessel agents and cargo stakeholders to monitor the situation and revise berth schedules if required.
Newly allotted berths fall silent
Berths 10 and 11 were recently allotted to Delta Ports Mormugao Terminal Private Limited, with expectations that the private operator would boost cargo throughput and commercial activity. However, the escalating conflict has stalled cargo flows largely dependent on imports from Middle Eastern countries. Commodities such as liquid ammonia, phosphoric acid, bauxite, gypsum, urea and muriate of potash ” expected to move in large volumes through the berths ” have been affected.
With vessels delayed and routes under review, both berths have remained largely idle in recent days, raising concerns among port stakeholders about the short-term impact on cargo handling and port revenues. Many of these cargoes originate from Gulf nations, particularly Oman.
Impact on industries
Disruption at the port could extend beyond the harbour into industrial corridors across Goa and neighbouring regions. One of the companies dependent on these imports is Paradeep Phosphates Limited, which relies on raw materials such as liquid ammonia, urea and muriate of potash to produce fertilisers.
A senior company official said the situation is manageable for now but prolonged disruption could pose challenges. “We are fortunate that the conflict coincided with our annual shutdown period and that we have some stock available. However, if the situation continues for long, stocks may deplete and cargo shipments may not arrive through the port,” the official said.
Industrial units in nearby regions, particularly around Belagavi, also import bauxite through Mormugao Port, and delays could affect their manufacturing operations.
Container traffic faces turbulence
The crisis has also cast a shadow over container operations that resumed recently after a long gap.
Container services restarted in November 2025 after nearly seven years when the Shipping Corporation of India launched services linking the port to international routes. The revival had generated enthusiasm among exporters and industries in Goa, especially pharmaceutical companies. However, the conflict has begun to disrupt container movement across several ports. Sources indicate that major ports such as Jawaharlal Nehru Port and Mundra Port are facing congestion, with containers awaiting movement to Middle Eastern destinations.
Cruise, coal operations stable
Despite disruptions affecting cargo imports from the Gulf region, certain port operations remain unaffected for now. A senior port official said cruise tourism and coal shipments have continued without interruption, as these are not directly linked to Middle Eastern routes.
For now, the port continues to function with partial stability as stakeholders closely watch developments in the Middle East.
