Pharmaceutical shipments from India to Belgium predominantly utilize sea freight due to its cost-effectiveness for large volumes. Major Indian ports such as Nhava Sheva (Jawaharlal Nehru Port), Mundra, and Chennai serve as primary departure points. These ports are well-equipped to handle pharmaceutical exports, offering facilities that comply with international shipping standards. The journey to Belgium typically involves transiting through the Suez Canal, connecting the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, and then proceeding to Belgian ports. Sea freight transit times range from 12 to 18 days, depending on the specific ports of departure and arrival, as well as maritime conditions.
Air freight, while faster, is less commonly used for pharmaceutical shipments from India to Belgium due to higher costs. When utilized, air freight can deliver goods in approximately 1 to 3 days. However, the preference for sea freight is evident, with a significant majority of pharmaceutical products being shipped by sea rather than air.
Recent disruptions in the Red Sea, such as the blockage of the Suez Canal in March 2021, have highlighted the vulnerability of these critical shipping routes. Such events can lead to significant delays and necessitate rerouting, which may increase transit times and costs. While the Suez Canal blockage was a notable incident, the Red Sea remains a vital artery for global trade, and any disruptions can have cascading effects on supply chains.
