Mumbai, August 23, 2024

“As part of the mission to establish India as a powerful maritime nation by 2030, various modernization efforts are being undertaken at ports across the country. This includes shipbuilding, repair and recycling, as well as the creation of skilled manpower”, said Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. He was speaking at the inauguration of various projects of the Mumbai Port Authority today.

The Chairman of Mumbai Port Authority, Shri Rajiv Jalota, and Chief Commissioner of Customs, Shri Nitish Kumar Sinha, were also present on the occasion.

On the occasion, Shri. Sonowal emphasized that in the process of becoming a maritime nation, the Mumbai Port and the Mumbai Port Authority will play a significant role. The progress of ongoing projects here reflects the advancements being made. He urged everyone to be fully prepared to compete with the rest of the world to become one of the top 10 powerful maritime nations. He also highlighted the opportunity for the Mumbai Port, which has a proud history of over 150 years, to contribute significantly to the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

Shri. Sonowal further mentioned that as 96% of the country's exports are conducted via maritime routes, it is essential to continuously inform  people living in inland regions about the vast opportunities in this sector.

The Minister inaugurated several key projects of Mumbai Port Authority via an online platform. These included the launch of testing operations for the newly constructed Third Chemical Berth at Pir Pau, the laying of the foundation stone for the Shore Protection and Reclamation Project at Jawahar Dweep, and the inauguration of the SCADA & PLC Automation System at the Marine Oil Terminal. Additionally, the iPortman System and Estate Operations Management System (EOMS) were inaugurated, alongside the Mumbai Port Sustainability Foundation (MPSF). The Minister also released a brochure on the MPSF and announced an initiative to establish a global-level yacht sailing facility.

In conjunction with these events, several Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were signed. The first was between Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA), MPSF, and HPCL to develop a Green Fuel Ecosystem. A second MOU was signed between Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and MPSF to collaborate on emission management, decarbonization, digitization, and safety in port and shipping operations. Additionally, an MOU was established with the Royal Bombay Yacht Club for the placement of a pontoon to enhance passenger safety at the Gateway of India. Finally, an agreement was signed with RPG Foundation for the development of gardens and heritage showcasing on the pavements in Ballard Estate.

During the event, land transfer documents were handed over for various leasing agreements, including the leasing of two plots to Mahanagar Gas Limited and two plots at Pir Pau for liquid bulk storage to M/s Aegis Logistic Ltd. The renewal of leases for the Mazgaon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd., the leasing of MbPA Workshop Land and the allotment of land and water area near the Domestic Cruise Terminal to M/s ONGC for fast crew boats were also finalized.

The initiatives announced and agreements signed today represent a total investment of Rs. 4000 crore, which is expected to benefit Mumbai significantly. These developments will also generate 1.45 lakh person-days of employment.

Additionally, a brochure on tourism initiatives by Mumbai Port Trust was released. As a tribute to National Space Day, all ships in the Mumbai Harbour sounded their horns.

JPS/NJ/PM

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