
On the need to overcome several challenges faced by the sector, Murmu noted that a lot of container ship cargo is diverted to nearby foreign ports due to depth restrictions. (Indian Maritime University)
Chennai, 27 Oct (City Times): (Indian Maritime University) : President of India Droupadi Murmu has given a call to increase the operational efficiency and turnaround time of Indian ports, all for matching the global average benchmark in the maritime sector. Speaking at the eighth convocation of the Indian Maritime University (IMU) in Chennai on Friday, Murmu said: “India does not figure in the top 20 nations when it comes to the annual port calls.”

Indian ports must address operational challenges
“On the list of 50 best container ports worldwide, we only have two. The Indian ports must address infrastructural and operational challenges before they graduate to the next level,” she said. On the need to overcome several challenges faced by the sector, Murmu noted that a lot of container ship cargo is diverted to nearby foreign ports due to depth restrictions.
Aim for higher standards of efficiency: Murmu
“In the merchant and civilian shipbuilding industry, we need to aim for the highest standards of efficiency, efficacy and competitiveness,” she said. About the Sagarmala programme, Murmu said it was a significant move away from port development to port-led development.
The five pillars of port-led development envisaged by Sagarmala are port modernisation, port connectivity, port-led industrialisation, coastal community development and coastal shipping or inland water transportation.
3rd edition of summit gets ₹10 lakh cr investment
The third edition of the Global Maritime India Summit held recently attracted ₹10 lakh crore of investment, for achieving ‘Amrit Kaal Vision 2047’. “Moreover, the Government of India is working to realise its vision of ‘Ports for Prosperity and Ports for Progress’,” she remarked. “One of the gravest challenges of our time is climate catastrophe which includes rising temperatures and sea levels. The maritime sector needs to be agile, proactive and swift in adaptation and mitigation of climate change,” she noted.

Students advised to have an obligation for ecology
Murmu appealed to the graduating students to have an obligation towards the health of ecology and ecosystems with more resilient and greener practices in the ocean. The country’s maritime sector plays a vital role in its trade and economic growth, as 95% of the country’s trade by volume and 65% of the trade by value is undertaken through maritime transport,” she said. The President handed over gold medals and certificates to the graduating students.

India will be a developed country by 2047: Governor
Governor R N Ravi said India had grown from tenth to third economy in the world and it would be a developed country by 2047, noting that maritime industry and maritime economy would play a role in this journey.
Ports experiencing double digit growth: Sonowal
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said coastal cargo grew 102% and ports are experiencing double digit growth. He also said that ‘Amrit Kaal Vision 2047’ would help the country to become a global maritime hub. Union Minister of State for Shipping and Ports Shripad Naik and Tamil Nadu Minister for Higher Education K Ponmudy were also present.
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