20th MEETING OF MARITIME STATE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

20th MEETING OF MARITIME STATE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

IN NEWS –

• The recent meeting of MSDC has successfully addressed emerging challenges in maritime sector like establishing Places of Refuge for distressed ships and developing radioactive detection equipment at ports to improve security.
• MSDC also enhance conditions for seafarers, advocating for their recognition as essential workers to facilitate better working conditions.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE MEETING

• New Ports: Foundation stone laid for India’s 13th major port at Vadhavan, Maharashtra, and the government has designated Galathea Bay in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as another major port.
• Indian Maritime Centre (IMC) Launched: A policy think tank aimed at fostering innovation and strategic planning among maritime stakeholders.
• National Safety in Ports Committee (NSPC) application: The MSDC launched the NSPC application on the National Single Window System to streamline regulatory processes, cut costs, and enhance efficiency.
• National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC): Located in Lothal, Gujarat, this complex will showcase India’s maritime heritage.
• Showcased innovative state-led initiatives: E.g. Kerala’s monetization techniques for dredging, Gujarat’s port-driven urban development projects, etc.
• Construction of India's largest dredger started: At Cochin Shipyard Limited in collaboration with Royal IHC Holland.
• Mega Shipbuilding Park Plan, across states, discussed: To consolidate shipbuilding capabilities across regions, fostering greater efficiency and innovation.
• State Ranking Framework discussed:  To promote healthy competition, performance enhancement, and sustainable practices among coastal states.

MARITIME STATE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

• Apex advisory body constituted in 1997 for development of Maritime Sector to ensure integrated development of major and non- major ports in coordination with State governments.
• Chaired by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. MSDC is mandated to meet at least once six months.
• MSDC has been instrumental in aligning policies and initiatives like Indian Ports Bill and Sagarmala program.

OTHER CONCERNS AND INITIATIVES OF MSDC

• Developing common and comprehensive guidelines for inland waterways barges so that barges of different states can move seamlessly in coastal waters.
• Port security: International levels of security would be ensured at every port in the country.
• Emphasis was laid on the advent of cruise tourism in India and the importance of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) being developed in Smart Industrial Port Cities at Kandla(Gujarat) and Paradip (Odisha).
• Establishment of research based institutes like the Centre for Inland and Coastal Maritime Technology (CICMT) at IIT, Kharagpur and the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC), IIT, Madras will help the maritime industry to get indigenous research and skilled manpower.

Source : PIB