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HomePosts Tagged "SARBANANDA SONOWAL"
AgroPolicy, India, Supply Chain, Transportation

Denmark, a global leader in sustainable maritime technologies, has been sharing its expertise in green and digital solutions, aligning with India’s goals under the Sagarmala initiative and the Maritime India Vision 2030.

India and Denmark’s maritime relations continue to strengthen, with both nations working closely to advance sustainable maritime practices. Under the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership, the collaboration has expanded across key areas such as Quality shipping, Cooperation on Port State Control, Maritime training and education, research and development, Piracy, Green maritime technology, shipbuilding and green shipping. Denmark, a global leader in sustainable maritime technologies, has been sharing its expertise in green and digital solutions, aligning with India’s goals under the Sagarmala initiative and the Maritime India Vision 2030.

Scope of the MoU signed in 2019 and revised in 2022, has been widened by adding a dedicated clause for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in India. This underscores the commitment to deepening expertise in green maritime technologies and fostering knowledge exchange between the two nations. Additionally, Denmark’s expertise in port digitalization, automation, and cybersecurity has been instrumental in helping India achieve its vision of becoming a global leader in smart ports.

Danish dignitaries have played a pivotal role in furthering this cooperation, with key figures such as H.E. Mr. Morten Bødskov, Hon’ble Minister of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs; H.E. Mr. Freddy Svane, Ambassador of Denmark; Mr. Søren Andersen, Special Advisor to the Minister; Mr. Brian Wessel, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Legal and International Affairs; Ms. Amalie Elisabeth Knudsen, Private Secretary to the Minister; Ms. Kia Ris Skræddergaard, Head of Section; Ms. Maja Mohr Mortensen, Official Photographer; Ms. Josefine Eva Lilly Pallesen, Counsellor; and Mr. Mathias Emil Bengtsson, First Secretary, Trade Policy / Trade & Commercial Affairs, all contributing to the advancement of these initiatives.

Both countries are focusing on decarbonisation efforts, with joint projects aimed at developing hydrogen and ammonia-based fuels for ships. India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 aims to decarbonize its ports, and Denmark’s success in offshore wind energy is expected to further contribute to renewable energy solutions in Indian ports. Denmark’s leadership in maritime training and polar navigation also opens up opportunities for collaboration, with plans to upgrade Indian seafarer training programs in line with global standards.

Commenting on the growing partnership, Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, stated, “India and Denmark’s collaboration in the maritime sector is a testament to shared commitment towards sustainable development and innovation. Together, we will not only enhance port infrastructure and shipping capabilities but also setting a global benchmark in green maritime practices. This partnership will play a pivotal role in India’s journey towards achieving a carbon-neutral maritime industry.”

As part of the Joint Action Plan on Green Strategic Partnership (2021-2026), both countries are set to continue their collaboration on port modernization, maritime digitalization, green fuel development, and advanced seafarer training. With Denmark’s leadership in green maritime technologies and India’s growing maritime infrastructure, this partnership is poised to drive global innovation and sustainability in the maritime sector.

Denmark, a global leader in sustainable maritime

AgroPolicy, India, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Transportation

MoU between JNPA & Gateway Terminal India (GTI) was also signed to boost sustainable effort by shoring up power supply for Vessels.

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled major sustainable initiatives after inauguring Three Freshwater Lakes at Jawaharlal Nehru Port. All these lakes were rejuvenated and beautified which will serve as vital reservoirs for rainwater harvesting and habitat restoration. Sonowal also reviewed various port infrastructure and developmental projects.

The Union Minister Sonowal also attended the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony among the JN Port Authority (JNPA), Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) and Vadhavan Port to shore up financing for infrastructure projects. The second MoU was signed between JNPA and Gateway Terminal India (GTI) to shore up the sustainable initiative of the port.

Sarbananda Sonowal also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Smart SEZ project. This project includes preventing perimeter intrusions, ensuring disciplined vehicle movement, streamlining gate operations, smart tracking of staff and vehicles, as well as extending network connectivity to all utility buildings for LAN users. The project aims to provide the necessary infrastructure for future applications such as an Energy Management System, Smart Water Management, Smart Street Lighting, Smart Parking, and weighbridge. Sonowal also planted a sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative at JNPA SEZ.

 Sonowal said, “Today, we also witnessed the signing up of two major MoUs between JNPA, Vadhavan Port and REC as well as between JNPA and GTI. These will further bolster the efforts of the Modi Government to propel infrastructure as well as shore up efforts towards sustainability. Our ports are dedicated to advancing India’s economic growth by facilitating seamless trade and strengthening its role in global supply chains. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, our ministry is working towards more sustainability efforts as we must replenish our environment and achieve economic growth with utmost responsibility for the future generations of our country.”

The three inaugurated key water bodies designed to enhance the region’s ecological balance. Among these are the Admin Building Foothill Lake and the CPP Lake, both strategically situated within the port area. Additionally, the Minister performed the groundbreaking ceremony for Jashkar Lake. These lakes have been named in honour of the revered saints of Maharashtra: Saint Dyaneshwar Maharaj, Saint Eknath Maharaj, and Saint Namdeo Maharaj. Shri Sonowal also issued Letters of Intent (LoI) to SEZ concessionaires. Earlier, the Union Minister was welcomed by the Chairman of JNPT, Unmesh Sharad Wagh.

JNPA has allotted plots in 7 phases. The recent e-auction of phase 7 for 57 Acres saw a remarkable response, with 21 bidders submitting bids for 6-unit plots and 3 co-developer plots. Notably, there was an overall 95.23% increase in quoted value for the said plots above the reserve price, resulting revenue increase of 63% above the reserve price for JNPA.

As part of the strategic engagements, JNPA issued the date of award of concession to the concessionaires of Liquid Berth 3/ Liquid Berth 4 (LB3/LB4). JNPA announced the successful expansion of its liquid cargo handling capacity with the introduction of Additional Liquid Cargo Berths (ALCB), specifically Liquid Berth-3 and Liquid Berth-4. These berths will be equipped, operated, maintained, and eventually transferred through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Currently, JNPA handles approximately 6.5 million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) of liquid cargo through its existing Liquid Berth-1 and Liquid Berth-2. With the completion of the Additional Liquid Cargo Berths LB3 and LB4, JNPA’s total liquid cargo handling capacity will increase to 11 MMTPA.

In a move to further empower the local community and enhance workforce development, the Union Minister launched the Vadhvan Skilling Program’s Whatsapp ChatBot developed by JNPA, designed to facilitate access to skilling programs, provide information about Vadhvan Port, and guide users through the process of visiting JNPort. The primary goal of this chatbot is to gather valuable data and ensure that the youth of Vadhvan receive targeted training that aligns with employment opportunities. The Vadhvan Port project is expected to create approximately 10 lakh employment opportunities.

MoU between JNPA & Gateway Terminal India

AgroPolicy, India, Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation

Docking of MV San Fernando ship, with a capacity of 9000 TEUs marks India’s foray into Next Gen World Class Port Infrastructure.

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal received the first Mother Ship ‘MV San Fernando’ marking the beginning of operation at India’s First deep water container transhipment port in Vizhinjam, Kerala. The ship, with a capacity upto 9000 TEUs, docks at India’s first automated port which is equipped with state of the art that offers large scale automation for quick turnaround of vessels including capacity to handle megamax containerships. The Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinari Vijayan was also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said, “Today is a historic day for the maritime sector of India as the maiden mothership docks at Vizhinjam, India’s first truly deep-water International Container Transhipment terminal. This is the testament of the vision of ‘Make in India’ where a PPP collaboration among Govt. of Kerala, Govt. of India as well as the Adani Port SEZ has created a wonderful asset for growth of India’s maritime sector. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India is equipping and enabling entrepreneurial ventures and collaborating as and when required to build capacity for the cause of nation building. This wonderful achievement marks the beginning of a new era in the ports sector of the country.  We are working towards execution of Mega Port Projects including All Weather Deep Draft Port at Vadhavan in Maharashtra and International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT) at Galathea Bay in a mission mode.”

Vizhinjam Port is a strategic maritime project near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. This is the first Greenfield port project in India, initiated by a state Government with an investment exceeding ₹18,000 crores. Developed under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode, it stands as one of the largest initiatives in the country’s port sector. Vizhinjam’s strategic location near international shipping routes significantly reduces transit times for vessels, making it a pivotal point for maritime trade. As one of India’s few natural deep-water ports, it can efficiently accommodate large cargo and container ships.

The development of the Vizhinjam International Seaport is poised to boost Kerala’s economic growth by creating jobs, enhancing trade, and attracting investments. Ongoing infrastructure projects aim to equip the port with state-of-the-art facilities, including modern container terminals, warehouses, and logistics parks. Vizhinjam is set to become a key player in regional trade, potentially serving as a gateway for commerce between Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Docking of MV San Fernando ship, with

Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, India, Supply Chain, Transportation

It reflects a 4.78 per cent growth compared to the 39.25 MMT achieved during the same period in the previous fiscal year, FY 2023-24.

Paradip Port Authority (PPA) has marked a momentous achievement in its operational history, clocking an unprecedented 41.12 million Metric Tons (MMT) cargo handling within the first 100 days of the fiscal year 2024-25. This outstanding performance sets a new record for the port, reflecting a 4.78 per cent growth compared to the 39.25 MMT achieved during the same period in the previous fiscal year, FY 2023-24.

This significant accomplishment underscores the port’s critical role in bolstering India’s maritime infrastructure and its unwavering commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and capacity. Under the dynamic leadership and visionary guidance of Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, PPA has surpassed its previous benchmarks, showcasing notable growth and efficiency in its operations.

PPA Chairman, P.L. Haranadh, expressed his deep gratitude to the Minister, attributing this monumental success to his unwavering support and strategic direction.

This achievement highlights Paradip Port Authority’s ongoing commitment to setting new benchmarks in cargo handling and contributing significantly to the nation’s economic growth. As PPA continues to expand its capabilities and improve its services, it remains dedicated to supporting India’s maritime infrastructure and fostering economic development.

It reflects a 4.78 per cent growth

AgroPolicy, India, Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation

Ministry draws action plan for swift implementation of MoUs at GMIS worth Rs1 Lakh Crore.

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal launched ‘Sagar Aankalan’ guidelines during the stakeholders meet for implementation of the MoUs signed earlier at the Global Maritime India Summit 2023 (GMIS 2023).

The “Sagar Aankalan” Guidelines for National Benchmarking of Indian Ports Performance would be applicable to all Indian seaports with an aim to achieve; Mapping and benchmarking of Indian Port’s – logistics performance and efficiency, Harmonisation of standards, definitions and performance with global benchmarks, Improving competitiveness, efficiency and overall performance of the port sector with focus on improvement, productivity, sustainability and customer satisfaction.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) successfully concluded the Stakeholders Meet – Implementation of MoUs at the Global Maritime India Summit 2023 (GMIS 2023) where course to convert them were decided and make them actionable at the earliest. The Ministry also draws action plan for swift implementation of MoUs signed during the GMIS.

Participants engaged in productive discussions, sharing valuable insights and recommendations to overcome challenges and facilitate the implementation of the MoUs. The event was also graced by the Union Minister of State for MoPSW and Tourism, Shri Shripad Y. Naik and the Union Minister of State for MoPSW, Shantanu Thakur, senior officials of MoPSW and other dignitaries. The GMIS Report and M.Tech in Drediging Technology course at IIT, Chennai were also launched.

“With a focus on sustainable development, technological advancements, and enhancing maritime infrastructure, the Global Maritime India Summit 2023 facilitated strategic dialogues among industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders. This collaboration aims to harness the potential of India’s vast coastline and maritime resources for the benefit of all,” added Sonowal.

The Minister urged the stakeholders to work together to turn these agreements into reality and propel the Indian maritime sector to new heights. He said, “Each one plays a crucial role in this journey towards making India ‘Viksit Bharat’ during Amrit Kaal.”

During the meeting, the port representatives provided an update on the progress of the memorandums of understanding (MOUs) signed in GMIS 2023. They detailed the milestones achieved and any challenges encountered along the way. Following their presentation, stakeholders had the opportunity to share their perspectives on the implementation of these agreements. This exchange of views allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the MOUs’ impact and potential areas for improvement. Overall, the collaborative discussion served to strengthen relationships between the port and its stakeholders while fostering transparency and accountability in the execution of the signed agreements.

GMIS 2023 emerged as one of the largest maritime summits globally, attracting a record-breaking investment commitment of Rs 10 lakh crore. The signing of 360 MoUs, with an investment commitment of Rs 8.35 lakh crore, and the announcement of additional investible projects worth Rs 1.68 lakh crore, underscored the immense potential of India’s maritime sector. The MoUs signed at GMIS 2023 encompassed various facets of the maritime sector, including port development, modernization, green hydrogen and ammonia, port-led development, cruise sector, business and commerce, shipbuilding, and knowledge sharing. These initiatives are poised to drive innovation, foster economic growth, and strengthen India’s position as a global maritime leader.

Ministry draws action plan for swift implementation

AgroPolicy, India, Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation

More than 50 countries to participate in the Global Maritime Summit, 2023 to be held from 17th to 19th October.

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal launched the curtain raiser of Global Maritime India Summit (GIMS), 2023 in Mumbai. The summit is slated for 17th to 19th October 2023, at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, with FICCI as the exclusive industry partner. The event is aimed at unlocking potential for new investment opportunities along with collaborations for knowledge and technology to enhance cooperation in trade and promote Ease of Doing Business (EODB).

Addressing the Curtain Raiser for the upcoming Global Maritime India Summit 2023, Sonowal emphasised the vital role of the maritime sector in India’s economic progression and the potential it holds for the Asia-Pacific region. “India can lead from the front. India’s maritime sector is poised for growth, owing to proactive government policies around, ports, shipping and inland waterways”, said Sonowal.

The curtain raiser event is aimed at creating a global forum of thought leaders as well as industry captains from maritime sector to harness the immense potential of Blue Economy and draw a roadmap to unlock value through creation of investment opportunities in the maritime sector of India. The forum will provide a platform for start-ups, researchers, incubators and innovators to showcase their technology & expertise. The focus areas of GMIS, 2023 are Ports of the Future; Decarbonization; Coastal Shipping & Inland Waterways Transportation; Shipbuilding, repair & recycling; Finance, Insurance & arbitration; Innovation & technology; Maritime Safety & Security and Maritime Tourism.

The Minister said, “As key driver of India’s maritime sector, our ministry has been organising the Global Maritime India Summit, to create value from the vast potential of India’s rich maritime sector. With an identified investment opportunities of more than Rs 10 lakh crores in the maritime sector of the country, we are standing at a threshold of a major economic upswing which can generate employment opportunities for more than 15 lakhs youth of India. This summit has been designed to explore and examine riches of India’s Blue Economy. We hope that the best minds of maritime sector will hedge their goodwill, intent, intelligence and skills to produce a roadmap for a sustainable development of maritime sector as well as our country.”

 Sonowal further added, “We invite all the maritime stakeholders in India and globally to be part of these investment opportunities. India is actively driving the establishment of 5,000 km of multi-country waterways, a significant initiative that will effectively facilitate trade and transportation across the region.”

The curtain raiser concluded with the unveiling of the official GMIS 2023 brochure and the launch of the event’s website and mobile app to provide a comprehensive overview of the summit’s agenda and thematic sessions and will serve as essential resources for participants.

More than 50 countries to participate in

AgroPolicy, India

The terminal will augment economic growth by facilitating movement of tourists & cargo towards Upper Assam region, Arunachal Pradesh & Nagaland through Brahmaputra.

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal laid the foundation stone of Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) terminal to be developed at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh, by the bank of the river Brahmaputra (National Waterways 2) in Dibrugarh, Assam. The tourist-cum-cargo IWT terminal will be developed at a cost of Rs 46.60 crores and is scheduled to be completed by February, 2024. Once developed, this terminal is likely to play a pivotal role in rejuvenating inland waterways transportation in the region for both cargo and passenger movement, paving the way for growth of trade & commerce. The terminal will augment economic growth by facilitating movement of tourists & cargo towards Upper Assam region, Arunachal Pradesh & Nagaland through Brahmaputra.

Considering the growing popularity of inland waterways as an economical & efficient mode of transportation, other new industries like food processing, pharmaceuticals, cement etc may come up in the region while further improving the economies of scale for existing major trade like tea, polymer, coal, fertiliser etc. The modern terminal is also likely to play a crucial role as a harbinger of growth for the tourism sector with major destinations like Sibsagar, Majuli, Itanagar, Ziro Valley, Pasighat, Roing, Tawang valley etc.

The IWT terminal, under the aegis of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the nodal agency for inland waterways of Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), will have many modern features. The executing agency of the terminal is being done by Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Construction Limited. Some major features include cargo & passenger berths, approach & other internal roads, transit shed, open storage area, truck parking area, passenger waiting area among others. The development of the terminal will play a crucial role in the development of upper Assam and nearby states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland in terms of cargo as well as passenger transportation. It will also lead to increase in eco-tourism, and easing the movement of EXIM cargo with comparatively lower transportation cost vis-a-vis others.

Speaking on the occasion, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “It is a momentous day for the people of Assam as we move towards rejuvenating inland waterways transport in the region by further bolstering the capital infrastructure at Bogibeel. Given the historic role that Dibrugarh played as the hub of inland waterways in the past, I believe that this modern terminal at Bogibeel will act as a catalyst towards reclaiming the lost glory of Dibrugarh as a major commercial hub & become harbinger of growth for upper Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland in the days to come.”

The terminal will augment economic growth by

Acquaculture, AgroPolicy, Agrotech, India, Live Stock, Supply Chain, Transportation

The project will benefit 700 fishing boats operating at Cochin fishing harbour, which will support the direct livelihoods of about 10000 fishers

Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Sarbananda Sonowal, Dairying and Minister of Ports Shipping and Waterways has laid the foundation stone for the project on Modernisation and Up-gradation of Cochin Fishing Harbour at Thoppumpady, Samudrika Hall, Willingdon Island, Cochin Port Authority, Cochin.

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Govt. of India in March 2022 sanctioned the proposal of Cochin Port Trust for Modernisation and upgradation of Cochin Fishing Harbour at Thoppumpady at a total cost of Rs.169.17 crore with central financial assistance of Rs.100 crore under PMMSY in a convergence with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways under Sagarmala.

The project will benefit 700 fishing boats operating at Cochin fishing harbour, which will support the direct livelihoods of about 10000 fishers and the indirect livelihoods of about 30000 fishers across the value chain. It is envisaged that the modernization project will support substantial improvement in hygienic conditions and an increase in earnings from the export of fish and fish products.

The main activities taken up under modernisation include the establishment of air-conditioned Auction halls, a Fish dressing unit, a Packaging unit, internal roads, loading & unloading platforms, an Office, a Dormitory and a Food court. The project has a PPP component of Rs.55.85 crore which include components such as the establishment of cold storage, slurry & tube ice plants, multi-level car parking facility, reverse osmosis plant, food court, retail market etc. The Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying stated that the Government has approved projects to the tune of more than Rs 7,500 Cr. for the development of modern fishing harbours and fish landing centres under Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Sagarmala scheme and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Yojana (PMMSY) Scheme.

The project will benefit 700 fishing boats

Agro Universities, AgroPolicy, India, Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation

The newly inaugurated school in Agartala will equip entrepreneurs with professional training to become experts in global transportation and logistics

Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, along with Dr Manik Saha, Chief Minister, Tripura inaugurated the School of Logistics, Waterways and Communication in Agartala. The school will enable the rich pool of talent of the region to become world class experts in the transportation and logistics sector. In order to unlock the promised economic potential of the Northeast, the school will be enabling the innate capacity of human resources along our opulent waterways, said Sonowal.

The Centre for Logistic, Communication and Waterways would facilitate in conducting studies/research, training, workshops/seminars for stakeholders like businesses, exporters/importers, Chambers of Commerce and Industries, local entrepreneurs, tourist operators etc. It has been set up under State Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development (SIPARD). SIPARD is an autonomous body funded by the Government of Tripura and partially by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.

Speaking on the potential of waterways as an avenue of economic progress of the Northeast, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Apart from being a swift, clean and affordable means of transport, this opens a new ray of hope for growth of trade with the international market. The deeper, longer and wider network of inland waterways will not only decongest and reduce carbon footprints but has the potential to generate significant economic activities and boost international trade in the region.”

The newly inaugurated school in Agartala will

Organic, Start ups

Various aspects of farming related to inorganic farming, organic farming and natural farming were discussed & assessed from a sustainable and economic perspective of the region.

The Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has recently met an expert group of Agripreneurs and academicians to explore possibility of an agriculture driven growth, especially for the farming community of the northeast, including Assam on December 26, 2021.

Various aspects of farming related to inorganic farming, organic farming and natural farming were discussed & assessed from a sustainable and economic perspective of the region. It was stressed that the growth arising out of agriculture must satiate both ecological and economic needs of the region and its people. The team was led by Dr Bidyut Deka, Vice-Chancellor, Assam Agriculture University (AAU).

After careful deliberation, the minister requested the expert group to prepare a comprehensive report on the feasibility of organic & natural farming so that it becomes a roadmap & approach for any future policy related discussion at the highest level of government. The report will be prepared at the aegis of the Assam Agriculture University (AAU) with highlights of successful agripreneurs of the state involved in organic as well as natural farming and comparative examination of the Northeast region.

Elaborating on the point of sustainable farming in the region, Sonowal said, “The use of modern technology and expert techniques must be used smartly to reap the benefits of farming in our region. We must learn from our roots and adapt modern techniques so that we can achieve sustainable development. It must respect the ecological balance of our region and at the same time attain economic prosperity for our farming community. We believe that there is huge opportunity for the farming community from the region to avail benefit and become an important stakeholder in expanding the AYUSH based industry in the entire Northeast.”

Various aspects of farming related to inorganic