Replied by VIF : The question has two parts and both are relevant. The first question is about building large ports like Singapore. Since most trade across the world is containerised, large ports are normally transshipment ports which serve as intermediate destination for the containers. Transshipment ports are like junctions where large and small ships can berth and exchange containers. This is more economical than carrying containers directly between their origins to their final destination. However, a transshipment port needs deep waters for berthing large ships, number of shipping-berths and cranes for speedy container handling, trained manpower to work in shifts round the clock and container management services with international best practices. Some transshipment ports like Singapore and Colombo have the added advantage of proximity to the busy shipping lanes. India’s Ministry of Shipping has embarked upon an ambitious port building project Sagarmala to enhance India’s port capacities and reduce handling time. Sagarmala also includes a transshipment port. Initially Enayam in Tamil Nadu was earmarked for development of a transshipment port. However, due to local resistance, an alternate site close to Kanyakumari has been identified.

The second question is about developing India’s maritime industry to become a maritime power. Maritime power is not limited to naval power, but encompasses a multitude of industries. Fisheries, mining, energy, tourism, shipping, port infrastructure and costal development are some of the major ones. The government is developing these industries through its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) program. In addition, NITI Aayog has provided focused attention to the maritime sector through its Blue Economy initiatives.

Posted on October 08, 2018

Topics: Maritime Power