Ashdod Port Resumes Vehicle Unloading with New Evacuation Mandate

After two days of total paralysis in Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) ship unloading, the vehicle industry crisis at Ashdod Port is moving into the operational phase. The port's customer division published an urgent update this morning (March 29, 2026) for importers and ship agents, announcing the resumption of vehicle unloading from Ro-Ro vessels. This follows the suspension of activities last week in accordance with directives from the Israeli Shipping and Ports Authority (ASPA).

The decision to resume operations comes after verbal clarifications from ASPA management and an amendment to the temporary order issued last Friday. The new framework is designed to ensure strict compliance with the regulator's requirement to evacuate every vehicle within 72 hours of arrival, while imposing sanctions on the port in the event of any deviation.

The New Framework: Unloading Based on Evacuation Rate

To prevent the "clogging" of port areas under "Operation Lion's Roar," Ashdod Port has stipulated that the rate of vehicle unloading from ships will now be directly linked to the arrival rate of car carriers and the physical removal of vehicles from the premises. In certain instances, the port may even require financial guarantees to ensure adherence to schedules as a condition for unloading approval.

Furthermore, it was clarified that "direct delivery" will now be executed through two primary channels: unloading directly onto car carriers waiting at the port prior to the start of work, or via drivers who will personally drive the vehicles out of the port without the need for a carrier.

Relief in Stay-Time Calculation

A significant update for importers concerns the method of calculating stay times. According to the new clarifications, the 72-hour limit will be enforced at the individual VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) level, but the count will exclude Saturdays and Israeli public holidays. This represents a major adjustment that provides essential logistical breathing room for importers clearing their cargo.

Port management stated that unloading will be carried out exclusively in alignment with the quantities that can be removed from the port area in real-time. They called on all stakeholders to prepare for this new operational method to maintain supply chain resilience and ensure the continuity of supply to the national economy.