Cyclone Arnab Halts Eastern India Port Operations, Threatens Supply Chains
Cyclone Arnab made landfall on India's eastern coast, halting operations in Visakhapatnam and triggering warnings for Gangavaram and Krishnapatnam, with cargo delays expected.
Cyclone Arnab, classified as a severe storm, made landfall on the eastern coast of India on the morning of October 28, prompting authorities to suspend or restrict vessel handling services at several major ports.
Visakhapatnam Port, a pivotal hub in Maersk's network on India's east coast—especially for cargo moving to and from Kolkata—halted all operations until further notice.
Kuehne+Nagel informed clients that ports potentially affected include Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram, and Krishnapatnam, which received cyclone warnings. Vessel handling has been suspended or restricted since October 26.
Indian authorities announced that the cyclone caused three fatalities in Andhra Pradesh state and caused extensive damage to homes and utilities, while Bangladesh issued similar warnings for its ports. Traders expect the port suspensions to cause congestion and delays, though the full impact will only become clear after terminals reopen completely.
What Do These Terms Mean?
Tropical Cyclone: A powerful storm forming over warm oceans, accompanied by strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Vessel Handling: Operations involving the loading, unloading, and transfer of cargo between ships and piers.
Port Congestion: The buildup of ships waiting outside port berths for their turn to load or unload.
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