The ministry would also look at the possibility of entitling Indian-flag vessels carrying even part coastal cargo for concessional tariffs for the coastal sector.
NEW DELHI: In an effort to promote coastal shipping as a mode for movement of domestic cargo, Union minister of shipping, road transport & highways TR Baalu has asked his ministry to examine a further rebate in the existing 40% vessel-related and cargo-related charges at major ports for coastal vessels.
The ministry would also look at the possibility of entitling Indian-flag vessels carrying even part coastal cargo for concessional tariffs for the coastal sector.
The ministry would also look at the scope of providing special dedicated berths at identified major ports for coastal vessels.
With a view to facilitating faster evacuation of cargo, it has been proposed to earmark dedicated storage areas for coastal cargos at identified major ports so as to provide them a longer free period considering their long evacuation process.
Feasibility of authorising the Classification Societies with special reference to the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) for undertaking statutory survey on behalf of the Director General of Shipping would also be examined.
“The steps would be taken to promote coastal shipping and to fully realise the potential of this cost-effective, fuel-efficient and environment friendly mode of transport,” said an official release.
Presiding over a review meeting held here recently to discuss various issues pertaining to the growth of Indian coastal shipping, the union minister directed officials to examine various short-term and long-term measures aimed at promoting coastal shipping.
He said that the officials should explore various possibilities for accelerated growth of the coastal shipping and emphasised that this sector should grow through a mix of policy measures and financial incentives by the government.
The minister said that the measures should be discussed threadbare with all the stakeholders especially with the coastal vessel operators besides formal consultations with all the maritime states.
The review meeting was attended by chairman and members of the National Shipping Board, chairman Inland Waterways Authority of India and chairpersons of various ports, besides the senior officials of the ministry of shipping, road transport and highways.
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