An incisive and clear roadmap to help achieve the Government of India’s vision for the shipping industry. Bringing up my thoughts on India’s new maritime policy, as a strong trade and maritime capability provides India with economic self-sufficiency, lower logistics costs and secure supply chains for vital energy. About 95% of India’s trade by volume and 68% (this figure differs as in some forms, 75% has been quoted) by value movements through sea transport. Prophetic Words “To be safe on land, we must be supreme at sea.” This iconic statement by Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, captures his core philosophy on the critical importance of a strong maritime capability. Having a robust domestic merchant fleet reduces dependence on foreign carriers, keeping freight spending domestic and saving foreign exchange. A reliable national flagship fleet ensures uninterrupted transportation of vital crude oil, petroleum and essential dry bulk commodities. We already see this in the Strait of Hormuz. Coastal shipping and inland waterways are significantly cheaper and more fuel efficient than road or rail transport. The movement of bulk cargo by sea removes heavy freight traffic from congested national roads and railways, thereby reducing overall domestic logistics costs. Strong commercial demand supports local shipyards, driving heavy engineering, steelmaking and ancillary micro-industries. Job creation is also getting a big boost, but there is currently a need to increase the necessary skills and training infrastructure. The sector will then generate extensive direct and indirect employment in port operations, logistics management, maritime services and tourism. Thank you for your guided assessment, Sir Admiral!! hopefully someone in the ministry will notice and act.
1. Government. of India has made ambitious plans for commercial shipbuilding and earmarked a whopping Rs 70,000 Cr to achieve the target. 2. Objective of the government. of India Achieve Atmanirbhartha in commercial shipbuilding in 2047 through India’s 19 shipyards (may increase to 25 in 2033). India’s current fleet of 1,500 ships has an average life of 25 years and nearly 60% of them need replacement preferably through indigenous construction or helpless acquisition of new ships or disastrous purchase of second-hand ships. 3. Points for consideration by the Ministry a) Focus on domestic commercial ship design talent, which is currently weak and unproven (unlike naval ships). Integrate the new technologies required by new fuels, marine regulations, etc. in design work. b) The target of 900 vessels may belong to 20 types of ocean shipping (for oil, dry cargo, containers, etc.), coastal shipping, inland water vessels and special vessels such as dredges. Assign design work to different IMUs (which may incorporate Navy or ex-Navy or even overseas talent). c) The capacity profile of our 19 shipyards is skewed towards small/medium vessels. Target the construction of small ships in small shipyards as a policy. The hand holding of small shipyards may be a necessity. d) Based on the previous allocation, approve the increase in facilities/capacity in the shipyards through the huge maritime fund sanctioned by the Council of Ministers. e) Activate the indigenization/standardization of articles to obtain better industrial support. Additional responsibilities may be assigned to the DGMA/DPIIT. 4. I wish Min of Shipping the best of success.
