Panaji, Sept. 13: The 20th Maritime State Development Council (MSDC), Goa concluded today with remarkable outcomes for India’s maritime sector. This two-day event saw the resolution of over 80 critical issues between the Central Government, States, and Union Territories, focused on port infrastructure modernization, connectivity, statutory compliances, maritime tourism, navigation projects, sustainability, and port security.
During the 20th MSDC, over 100 issues from various States were deliberated and successfully resolved. Several new and emerging challenges were also addressed, including the establishment of Places of Refuge (PoR) for ships in distress, the development of Radioactive Detection Equipment (RDE) infrastructure at ports to enhance security, and the facilitation of seafarers by recognizing them as key essential workers, ensuring better working conditions and access to shore leave. Additionally, the meeting discussed the implementation of a State Ranking Framework and a Port Ranking System to foster healthy competition and drive performance improvements across India's maritime sector.
The meeting was graced by the Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal; MoS, MoPSW, Shri Shantanu Thakur; Lt. Governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency, Admiral DK Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.) and various other dignitaries.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, emphasized the significance of MSDC’s contribution, ‘The MSDC has been instrumental in aligning policies and initiatives like the Indian Ports Bill and the Sagarmala program. By resolving key issues between the Central Government, States, and Maritime Boards, the Council has ensured the seamless development of India’s maritime infrastructure, enabling coastal States to capitalize on emerging opportunities. The MSDC’s efforts over the past two decades have facilitated the growth of over 50 non-major ports, which now handle more than 50% of India’s annual cargo. As major ports approach saturation, these non-major ports will play a crucial role in the future of India’s maritime sector’.
‘Under the leadership of PM Modi the Indian Maritime sector is growing like never before. Recently, PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji laid the foundation stone of India’s 13th Major Port worth Rs 76,220 crores at Vadhavan in Maharashtra on 30th August, 2024. The Government has also designated Galathea Bay in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as a 'Major Port'. This Rs 44,000 crore project will be developed under a public-private partnership model and aims to capture transshipped cargo currently handled outside India. The first phase is expected to be operational by 2029’, added Shri Sonowal.
Hon'ble Lt. Governor, A&N Islands thanked the Govt. of India for providing major thrust towards Andaman and Nicobar Islands in line with Viksit Bharat 2047 viz. Notifying of Galathea Bay as a ‘Major Port’. Proposed development of A&N Islands as Ship-Repair & Ship Construction Hub in Indo Pacific Region, Projects worth Rs.82,450 Crores for Great Nicobar Island, International Container Transhipment Terminal, Greenfield International Airport, Power Plant and proposed Township in terms of maritime trade, connectivity and security that will prove to be a force multiplier in promoting the geo-strategic and economic interest of our nation. ICTT Phase-I to commence operations in 2028 which would finally have the container handling capacity of 16.5 million TEUs. The Lt. Governor, ANI also highlighted the importance of Port Meadows project for Ship To Ship Transshipment, Contract signed with Matsya Shipping Pvt. Ltd., Significant Projects are being steered in Mission mode by Andaman & Nicobar Administration viz. Pre-feasibility study done by IIT Madras for development of Deep Water Port at Atlanta Bay, Diglipur under PPP mode with an estimated investment of Rs. 10,500 crores and Ship Repair Facility, Yacht Marina worth Rs. 1600 crore.
A historic highlight of the event was the keel laying ceremony for India’s largest dredger, a 12,000 Cu. M. Trailer Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD), at Cochin Shipyard Limited, built in collaboration with IHC Holland. This is the first time a dredger of such magnitude is being constructed in India, marking a monumental achievement for the country’s maritime infrastructure.
Several Maritime Boards presented cutting-edge innovations during the MSDC. The Council also discussed the State Ranking Framework, which aims to promote healthy competition, performance enhancement, and sustainable practices among coastal States. A working group will be established to determine the parameters and weightage for evaluating and ranking States based on key maritime and regulatory metrics.
The 20th MSDC meeting has set a strong agenda for the future, ensuring that India’s maritime sector continues to grow, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy and solidifying its position in the global maritime landscape.