Shipping lines flag container stand-off at Birgunj ICD, seek Nepal mission’s intervention

The Association of Shipping Interests in Calcutta (ASIC) has urged the Consulate General of Nepal in Kolkata to intervene in a growing stand-off over the non-release of empty containers from Birgunj Inland Container Depot (ICD) and other dry ports in Nepal.

In a representation to the Consul General, ASIC said that, even after long-standing abandoned import boxes are devanned at Birgunj ICD, a “large number” of empty containers are not being handed back to the respective shipping lines by ICD and dry port operators. The association alleged that operators are insisting on payment of storage rent and yard charges as a pre-condition for release, which it described as contrary to law and highly disruptive to equipment circulation.

Citing Section 32(3) of the Nepal Finance Act, 2082, ASIC has argued that no fee, demurrage or similar charge is leviable on containers in such circumstances, a position it says is also reflected in communications issued by the Birgunj Customs Office directing the return of empties without any charges. The association contends that continued withholding of boxes despite customs directions means ICD operators are “not in conformity with the statutory provisions.”

According to the association, the logjam has now assumed “critical proportions”, affecting not only shipping lines but also importers and the wider logistics chain serving Nepal’s international trade. It warned that non-return of empties is causing serious operational and financial hardship, constraining container availability, impacting regional trade flows on the India–Nepal corridor and undermining supply chain efficiency.

ASIC has requested the Consul General to facilitate the immediate release and return of long-pending empty containers to shipping lines without levy of storage rent or demurrage, ensure uniform implementation of Section 32(3) of the Nepal Finance Act, 2082 by Birgunj Dry Port operators, and help establish a clear, consistent mechanism to avoid recurrence of such disputes. The association said swift resolution is essential to maintain confidence among carriers serving Nepal ICDs and to support bilateral trade facilitation.