New Delhi: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), & AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled a vision for India’s maritime sector, outlining key initiatives that promise a transformative impact at the 19th Maritime States Development Council meeting in Kevadia, Gujarat on Saturday.
Sonowal spotlighted that the government will soon put together the Bureau of Port Security towards upgrading security across all the ports in the country. He also highlighted the government’s focus on sustainable development and shared about the ministry’s ambitious plan to develop Hydrogen Hubs across the Central Government and State Government ports.
He said, “All Central government and state government ports will explore the possibility of creating Hydrogen Hubs.” He added that Deendayal Port Authority has already finalised MoUs worth Rs 1.68 lakh crore for this venture.
In addition, Sonowal announced, emphasising the country’s commitment to quadrupling its port capacity under the Amrit Kaal Vision for Ports. He underlined that all major ports have prepared their Port Master Plans for 2047, and states are also getting their Port Master Plans for 2047 ready. “The total country’s Port capacity will increase from existing around 2,600 MTPA to more than 10,000 MTPA in 2047,” he said.
The two-day 19th Maritime State Development Council meeting at Kevadia, Gujarat, organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to enhance better coordination between major and notified ports, State Maritime Boards, State Governments and Union Territories (UTs) concluded on Saturday. MSDC is an apex advisory body constituted in May 1997 to develop the Maritime Sector. It aims to ensure the integrated development of Major and other notified ports.
Sonowal added, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, MoPSW is marking new achievements. He always believes in better cooperation, and the Maritime States Development Council emerges as a critical mechanism of cooperation and plays a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of our Nation’s maritime sector.”
The Minister also alluded to India’s growing maritime stature and the upcoming Global Maritime India Summit 2023. The Union Minister announced that all maritime states and Union Territories will participate in the GMIS 2023, making it one of the largest summits in the country. Global Maritime India Summit 2023 is scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from October 17-19, 2023.
GMIS 2023 is a premier maritime sector-focused event to bring together pivotal figures from the industry to explore opportunities, understand challenges, and stimulate investment within India’s maritime sector.