Port operators and bulk carrier masters should take note of significant operational changes affecting two major Asian ports in May 2026. Deendayal Port in India will implement temporary oil jetty restrictions, while Hong Kong continues dredging operations along Castle Peak Fairway that may impact vessel movements.
Deendayal Port Oil Jetty Restrictions
Deendayal Port in India has announced revised dates for critical jetty operations affecting multiple berths during a ten-day period in May 2026. Oil Jetty No.4 will be completely withdrawn from service from May 5-15, 2026, preventing any vessel operations at this facility during the specified timeframe.
Concurrently, Oil Jetty No.5 will suspend all chemical cargo operations during the same May 5-15 period. This dual restriction significantly reduces the port’s capacity for handling petroleum and chemical products, potentially creating scheduling challenges for operators with planned calls during this window.
Additionally, Oil Jetty No.7 will suspend edibles operations starting in May, though the complete duration of this restriction was not specified in the port advisory. These combined restrictions represent a substantial temporary reduction in the port’s liquid bulk handling capabilities.
Implications for Bulk Carriers
The synchronized timing of these restrictions suggests coordinated maintenance or infrastructure upgrades at Deendayal Port. Operators should review their vessel schedules and cargo commitments, particularly for shipments involving petroleum products, chemicals, and edible oils during the affected period.
Port operations teams should coordinate closely with local agents to identify alternative berthing arrangements or reschedule cargo operations to minimize delays. The ten-day window may create congestion before and after the restriction period as delayed vessels compete for available berth slots.
Hong Kong Castle Peak Fairway Dredging
Hong Kong continues ongoing dredging operations along Castle Peak Fairway, which may affect vessel transit times and navigation in the area. While specific details about the duration and scope of these dredging activities were not provided, masters should expect potential delays and modified routing instructions when approaching Hong Kong waters.
The Castle Peak area serves as a critical approach route for vessels calling at various Hong Kong terminals. Dredging operations typically require vessels to reduce speed, follow designated channels, or wait for clearance windows, all of which can impact tight scheduling arrangements common in Asian port rotations.
Navigation Considerations
Vessel operators should ensure their Hong Kong agents provide current information about dredging schedules and any temporary navigation restrictions. Flag state requirements for reporting delays or navigation incidents should be reviewed, particularly if dredging operations result in significant schedule disruptions.
Masters transiting Hong Kong waters should maintain close communication with Vessel Traffic Services and remain prepared for modified approach procedures or holding patterns while dredging equipment operates in the fairway.
Operational Planning Recommendations
These port restrictions highlight the importance of maintaining flexible scheduling and robust contingency planning for Asian port calls. Operators should work closely with charterers to build appropriate buffer time into voyage schedules, particularly when multiple ports in a single region face simultaneous restrictions.
Regular monitoring of port advisories and maintaining strong relationships with local agents remains essential for managing these operational challenges. The concentration of restrictions in May 2026 suggests operators should review their entire regional schedules during this period to identify potential cascading delays across multiple port calls.