Monsoon cargo handling at Kandla

The south-west monsoon reaches Kutch roughly from June to September. For moisture-sensitive cargo at Kandla, rain is not just a delay: it can damage the cargo and start a laytime dispute. Planning for it before the season begins makes the difference.

Which cargo is at risk

• Fertiliser, which can cake or lose quality when wet
• Sugar, grains and pulses, where moisture leads to spoilage
• Some minerals and bagged cargo that absorb water

Before the vessel arrives

1. Check the forecast for the expected days alongside and build stoppages into the plan.
2. Book covered storage close to the port, so cargo is not left on the quay.
3. Arrange covered trucks or tarpaulins for direct delivery.
4. Agree with the receiver which stoppages count, based on the charter party.

During discharge

• Close hatches as soon as rain starts and reopen only when it is safe for the cargo.
• Keep tarpaulins ready at the hook and on the trucks.
• Move cargo off the quay into cover as it is discharged, rather than stockpiling in the open.
• Record each stoppage, with start and end times, in the statement of facts as it happens.

Why records matter

Many charter parties exclude time lost to weather that prevents work. If stoppages are logged accurately during the call, laytime exceptions are clear and demurrage claims are easier to settle. Reconstructing weather days afterwards almost always leads to argument.

Swell and anchorage work

Rough seas in the Gulf of Kutch can also slow work at anchorage, where cargo is discharged into barges. When the season is at its worst, a berth may be worth waiting for even if anchorage would normally be faster.

How Globelink helps

Our stevedoring team plans monsoon discharges at Kandla with covered trucks, tarpaulins and nearby storage ready before work begins. Read about our stevedoring service, our covered warehousing in Gandhidham, and our Kandla port services.