India: Gopalpur Port Declares 'Force Majeure' Amid COVID-19

Gopalpur port Ltd (GPL) has declared force majeure amid the deadly Novel Corona Virus Disease (COVID 19) which has erupted worldwide and declared Global Pandemic by WHO, SteelMint learned from its sources The force majeure is declared from 06:00 hrs on 22nd Mar'20 till further notice from governmental agencies.

The government of Odisha has declared complete lock down of Ganjam district effective from 22nd Mar'20 to 29th Mar'20.

Gopalpur port is taking all necessary actions and is compliant of the preventive measures against the spread of covid as per directions by various governmental agencies.

Under the situation, GPL Logistic and operation performance (including but not limited to the loading/ unloading and receipt and dispatches) are severely affected. Therefore, GPL shall not responsible for any claims whatsoever including but not limited to delays, demurrages and related costs and consequences arising directly or indirectly under this situation.

"Foreseeing this situation, most of the parties who had concluded EXIM deals had added up this clause of COVID-19 in most of the contracts. Although a delay in shipments could be expected due to manpower shortage, but not a major impact is seen", shared a pellet trader.

Out of 13.02 MnT pellets exported from India in CY19, share of Gopalpur port was 6% with volume of 0.82 MnT.