The Union Shipping Ministry has extended the current concessional rate of 40 per cent discount on cargo movement between India and Chabahar Port in Iran for a period of one year. The discount will apply for the coastal movement of cargo and vessel related charges, being handled at Jawaharlal Nehru Port and Deendayal Port to Shahid Beheshti Port, Chabahar. The levy of concessional vessel related charges is to be applied proportionately, subject to vessel loading at least 5,000 tonnes cargo to Shahid Beheshti Port. The ports in coordination with Indian Ports Global Limited will jointly evolve a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure that discounts are given to cargo actually discharged or loaded at Shahid Beheshti Terminal of Chabahar Port.
According to the Ministry, the aim of the extension of discount period is to promote the trade through Shahid Beheshti Port. It will also give a boost to coastal movement of cargo.