Coastal shipping may get sop sails

NEW DELHI: Coastal shipping may be handed out financial incentives. Ministry of shipping, road transport and highways is considering the possibility of providing further rebate at major ports. Currently, 40% rebate is given.

The government is also considering special dedicated berths at identified major ports for coastal vessels. “Steps would be taken to promote coastal shipping as a cost-effective and fuel-efficient mode of transport through a mix of policy measures and financial incentives,” minister of shipping, road transport & highways TR Baalu said at a review meeting of the sector. The government would explore short-term and long-term measures aimed at promoting coastal shipping.

Indian-flag vessels carrying even part coastal cargo may be entitled for concessional tariffs for the coastal sector. The ministry would also examine the scope of providing dedicated berths at select major ports for coastal vessels.

This would also require earmarking of dedicated storage areas for coastal cargo at the ports. Statutory survey on behalf of the director general of shipping may be done by the Classification Societies with special reference to the Indian Register of Shipping. The ministry would discuss the measures with all stakeholders, including coastal vessel operators and maritime states. India has 14,500 km of navigable waterways. Inland water transportation system currently carries 44 million tonnes of cargo annually.