VISAKHAPATNAM: Competition between major and non-major ports is a healthy aspect, and it will benefit the sector and the economy of the country in the long run, says Visakhapatnam Port Trust chairman M.T. Krishnababu.
He was addressing the inaugural session of the East Coast Maritime Business Summit here on Friday.
“A monopolistic scenario is never a good climate and competition between the two will benefit both,” he said.
“Major ports are also gearing up for competition. During the past two years in particular, the major ports are faring well in comparison with non-major ports. In Visakhapatnam port, we have set high performance levels, and this has improved our performance in every sector,” he said.
Concurring with Mr. Krishnababu, most of the experts pointed out that non- major ports, which were contributing 43% of the cargo, should play a critical role on the east coast in future.
Container model
Concor chairman and managing director V. Kalyanarama, in his address, said that containerisation of cargo was the future in maritime trade, but a lot needed to be done.
“It is the responsibility of both the public and private sector ports to develop the container model of business,” he said.
Amitabh Verma, chairman of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), spoke about the work being undertaken on the five national waterways and associated problems.
“Of the five national waterways, NW 1, NW 2 and NW 3 are already operational, and work is under way on the remaining two – NW 4 and NW 5. We have formed a joint venture with the Andhra Pradesh Government for developing NW 4 passing through the State,” he said.
Coastal shipping
On coastal shipping and its opportunities, Sajan B. Nair, secretary-general of the Federation of Indian Coir Exporters’ Association, said coastal shipping would give a tremendous boost to the coir trade and industry in South India.
Visakhapatnam Port Trust deputy chairman P.L. Haranadh said that coastal shipping could play a key role in transportation of coal within the country.
Michael P. Pinto, former shipping secretary, spoke.
A report prepared by Ernst and Young and the AP Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation on development of ports in the country and the State was released on the occasion.
