Tonnes of marine cargo from Bahrain and other GCC countries have been detained at the Kochi port for months due to customs non-clearance, causing distress to over 300 clients from six major Bahraini freight companies. The delay has led to expired products that can no longer be used by recipients, with cargo companies facing daily storage fees that exceed the amount they were paid by their clients. The majority of victims are domestic workers sending household goods, clothing, and food items back home.
Bahraini cargo company owners are pointing fingers at the Kochi Seaport Customs Commissioner for failing to provide any clarification on the situation. The issue has been ongoing since February 2024, with marine cargo typically taking 18 to 20 days to clear from Bahrain to Kerala. This problem appears to be exclusive to the Kochi port, as no similar delays have been reported in any other Indian port.
During a press conference, Ms. Jaymol, CEO of Eastern Movers and Cargo, based in Hidd, emphasized that they are actively trying to reach out to higher authorities in Kerala, including the Chief Minister’s office, Members of Parliament, and the Indian Embassy in Bahrain. Representing the cargo companies, Ms. Jaymol, Mr. Vinod, Mr. Younus, Mr. Afsal, Mr. Yashir, and Mr. Abhilash attended the press conference in hopes of finding a resolution to the issue at hand.
The prolonged detention of marine cargo at the Kochi port has not only caused financial strain on the Bahraini cargo companies but has also had a significant impact on lower-class customers who rely on sea freight for sending essential goods back home. The delay has resulted in a loss of perishable items and added costs in storage fees, making it difficult for both the cargo companies and their clients to sustain their businesses.
Efforts are being made by the representatives of Bahrain-based cargo agencies to communicate with Kerala authorities and seek intervention to resolve the issue promptly. The continuous detention of shipments at the Kochi port has become a major concern for the affected parties, and they are hopeful that a solution can be reached with the assistance of higher authorities in India.
In conclusion, the detention of marine cargo at the Kochi port is causing distress to Bahraini cargo companies and their clients, particularly those from lower-class backgrounds who rely on sea freight for sending essential goods back home. The inability to clear shipments in a timely manner has led to expired products and increased storage fees, posing financial challenges for both the cargo companies and their customers. Efforts are being made to address the issue with the help of Kerala authorities and the Indian Embassy in Bahrain, in hopes of finding a swift resolution to this pressing problem.
