20th Maritime State Development Council (MSDC)

The 20th Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) concluded recently in Goa, where the Indian Maritime Centre (IMC) was launched.

• This initiative aims to consolidate maritime stakeholders and enhance innovation within India’s maritime sector.

Key Initiatives Launched at the 20th MSDC

• Indian Maritime Centre: Focused on uniting maritime stakeholders.
• Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre:
  • Aims to position India as a global arbitration hub for maritime disputes.
  • Features: Provides merit-based, industry-governed solutions for complex maritime transactions.
• National Safety in Ports Committee Application:
  • Platform: Integrated into the National Single Window System.
  • Goal: To streamline regulatory processes and enhance operational efficiency, improving the ease of doing business in the maritime sector.
• State-led Initiatives: Highlighted innovative practices, such as Kerala’s dredging monetization techniques and Gujarat’s urban development projects.
• Construction of Largest Dredger: Initiated at Cochin Shipyard Limited in collaboration with Royal IHC Holland.
• Mega Shipbuilding Park Plan: Discussion on a plan to consolidate shipbuilding capabilities across various states to enhance efficiency and innovation.
• State Ranking Framework: To foster healthy competition, performance enhancement, and sustainable practices among coastal states.

About the Indian Maritime Centre (IMC):

• Purpose: A policy think tank to promote collaboration among siloed maritime stakeholders, driving innovation, knowledge sharing, and strategic planning.
• Objectives:
  • Drive innovation and knowledge sharing.
  • Facilitate strategic planning across the maritime sector.

Council Initiatives:

• State Ranking Framework: Discussion on implementing a framework to promote healthy competition and sustainable practices among coastal states.
• Port Ranking System: Designed to enhance performance and foster a competitive environment.

Growth of Non-Major Ports:

• Significance: Over 50 non-major ports now handle more than 50% of India’s annual cargo.
• Future Role: Non-major ports are crucial as major ports reach saturation.
• Major Port Designation
• New Designation: Galathea Bay in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands has been designated as a major port.

Sagarmala Programme:

• Scope: A total of 839 projects under the Sagarmala programme are slated for completion by 2035.

Technology and Safety Initiatives:

• National Safety in Ports Committee (NSPC) Application: Launched to improve the ease of doing business and streamline regulatory processes.
• Emerging Challenges: Addressed issues like establishing Places of Refuge for distressed ships and developing radioactive detection equipment at ports.
• Recognition: Advocated for seafarers to be recognized as essential workers to enhance working conditions.

Addressing Emerging Challenges

• Places of Refuge for Distressed Ships: Establishment to enhance maritime safety.
• Radioactive Detection Equipment: Development at ports to improve security.
• Seafarer Recognition: Advocacy for seafarers as essential workers to improve their working conditions.

About the MSDC:

• Establishment: Constituted in 1997 as an apex advisory body for the maritime sector.
• Mandate: Ensures integrated development of major and non-major ports in coordination with state governments.
• Frequency of Meetings: Required to meet at least once every six months.
• Role: Instrumental in aligning key policies, including the Indian Ports Bill and the Sagarmala program.

Ref: Source

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