Golden Goals
1. Clean safe, and secure, cargo service
Gujarat situated on the western coast of India, is a principal Maritime State endowed with favorable strategic port locations. The Port Security by following ISPS (International Ship & Port Facility Security) is one of the most important areas of maritime security for port facilities and ship security. Expeditious implementation of I
SPS Code and other environmental and safety measures at six important ports namely Porbandar, Okha, Navlakhi, Bhavnagar, Magdalla, Bedi/Rozi (Jamnagar) will be complied under ISPS code with certification by 2011 and all the remaining operational ports would be complied with ISPS norms by 2015. Secondly, setting up of VTMS in the Gulf of Khambhat and Kutch. Enhancement of capacity in management of Oil Spill and other disasters caused by hazardous materials and improving environmental standard of ship recycling facility at Alang. Development and improvement of navigational channels, provision of adequate navigational aids. Introducing Dust Suppressing and Upgradation of existing Toxic Storage & Disposal facilities (TSDF). Each port to be developed as a green port by plantation and development of clean and eco-friendly beaches on the entire coastline.
2. Inland Water Transport (IWT)
Looking to the broad benefit of eco-friendly, cost effective and fuel-efficient mode, GMB has decided to promote IWT scheme. GMB has planned to implement various IWT related schemes in Gujarat particularly in the areas located near the river. With view to utilize the proposed IWT facilities in proper prospective, GMB is preparing a Pre-feasibility Project Report on “Inland Water Transport System in Gujarat State”. The probable sites for development at Ambica, Auranga, Narmada, Purna, Tapi in south Gujarat at probable cost of civil structure is in the tune of Rs 16 crores as per the draft feasibility report
3. Ferry Service and Coastal Shipping
(A) Ro-Ro Ferry Terminals
GMB plans to introduce Ro-Ro ferry service network in Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Cambay and extends up to Mumbai and southern coastal state up to Kerala. The Ro-Ro ferry service would save traveling distance, fossil fuel, and time, least polluting, environment friendly, safe mode of transport and decongestion of on road. The ferry services will not only cater to transporting vehicles but also carry a substantial quantum of passengers and cargo. (B) Coastal Shipping
“Coastal shipping is the movement of cargo by sea between ports in India, not including the non-contiguous island trades.” At present out of total cargo at GMB ports, approx. 15% is coastal cargo and are operational between different destinations of Gujarat coast i.e. from Jafrabad to Magdalla, Mul-Dwarka to Magdalla, Kutchh region to Saurashtra, from Sikka to Hazira, from Vazag to Magdalla, Pipavav to Kandla and Cochin etc. It is planned to encourage coastal shipping and also proposed to allow private companies to handle coastal cargo through GMB ports. As a part thereof, it is proposed to move coastal cargo from Kribhco (Hazira) to Pipavav, Navlakhi to Cochin, and from Kutch to other parts of the country.
4. Optimum utilisation of latest technology
(A) Tracking and warning system for the fishermen of Gujarat
To track and monitor the movement of Indian Fishermen, Government of Gujarat has decided to establish satellite based system for Tracking and Warning of about 12,000 fishing boats at the cost of Rs. 94.50 cr. Moreover, fishermen can also send distress signals. Fishermen boat can be tracked any where in the world on digital chart with accurate latitude and longitude, name of boat, name of owner, name of crews on boat, speed and direction of the boat etc. Fishermen's would be getting warning signals crossing the border and in case of natural calamities or other emergency a warning signal would be sent. Warning signals would be sent by pressing one button during emergency like hijacking or other kind of distress. This system will be integrated with the VTPMS of Gulf of Khambhat and Gulf of Kutch. Biometric card is to be issued to each fisherman, can be integrated with this system and with the help of it; details of each boat with their crew will remain available at control station. (B) Information Technology and e- governance
To achieve the paperless business environment in GMB, integrated Port Management System (IPMS) will be implemented. Under this programme, Hardware up-gradation, improvement of Network technology shall be carried out. In addition, GMB will revamp its existing website to incorporate a high tech on par technologies.
5. Infrastructure for Ex-Im Trade
(A) Enhancement in Cargo handling capacity
During the year 2007-08, the minor ports of Gujarat contributed about 20% in the total quantum of cargo handled collectively by major and non-major ports of India. Enhancing traffic handling capacity at the ports – owned/or controlled by Gujarat Maritime Board would be the obvious strategy by substantially expanding the capacity already privatized ports by GMB, viz. Mundra, Pipavav, Dahej and Hazira. Capacity enhancement of the ports directly owned and operated by Gujarat Maritime Board, viz. Porbandar, Bhavnagar, Navlakhi, Magdalla and Okha, in a PPP Mode. Bringing in new capacities by ways of operationalizing new private ports viz. Simar, Sutarapada, Dholera, Mahuva, Khambhat, Modawa and Maroli. Enhancing liquid, especially POL capacity in GMB waters by setting up new SPMs. Ensuring better capacity utilization of existing private & captive jetties. Revival of Bhavnagar Port. GMB-Navy jetty at Porbandar port. Improvement in port services such as Floating cranes, CFS, Floating dry docks, Logistic parks etc. (B) Hinterland Connectivity to ports and Dredging
It is planned to improve and upgrade road connectivity and provide rail linkages to the ports of Gujarat. Each port having traffic >1 million tons would be four lane divided carriage way. Dredging is an important activity for efficient port operation. Looking to the growth, it is envisaged that there would be huge demand for dredging in future. Thus, to make more efficient and effective dredging, it is proposed to set up a separate company Gujarat Dredging Cooperation company (a subsidiary of GMB) for Dredging at all Gujarat as well as country's ports.
6. Development of coastal areas of Gujarat
Along State's 1600 kms long coastal line, there is ample scope for development of ports and port based industries as well as other activities like fishing, tourism, environment etc. So far, private investment of Rs. 20,600 crores has been incurred in the port development. During next five years, an investment of about Rs. 50,000 crores is envisaged in the port development and port related activities. On implementation of the above developmental activities, 'Sagarkhedu' and people living on coastline will be benefited. Owing to development on the coastal region, there will be remarkable growth in socio-economic standard. Moreover, on the above account, there will be additional employment opportunities on the coastal area which is generally reckoned as undeveloped region.
7. Reviving the Maritime Heritage of Gujarat
(A) Museum
Gujarat possesses rich maritime legacy which backs to the times of Harrappan civilization when the ancient port of Lothal was amongst the busiest ports in the Indian subcontinent and is known for its ancient docking yard which used to permit ships to go to open sea carrying merchandise from Indian subcontinent, to the Gulf of Mesopotamia. Hence to showcase the history it is finalized to establish a Maritime Museum at Lothal site through private investment. (B) Coffee Table Book on Maritime History
GMB is planning to publish a coffee table book on the occasion of Gujarat State Golden Jubilee Celebration. The book will comprise Gujarat maritime history, its major feats and the development plans for the Gujarat Ports. (C) Boatbuilding and Shipbuilding
Gujarat possesses longest coastline in the Country with favourable locations for setting-up of Modern International Size Mega Shipbuilding yard. In addition the State has an advantage of availability of land, infrastructure linkages, skilled manpower and investor friendly business environment which attracts entrepreneurs worldwide. Being one of the topnotch destinations for Shipbuilding in India, the Government of Gujarat also has ambitious plans to set-up Mega Shipyard in the form of clusters accommodating nearly 8 to 10 Shipyards within stretch of about 5 to 8 km along the waterfront.
