Asia/Pacific News
Bunker Facilities Needed for India Coastal Shipping
Players in India's coastal shipping sector say they need government and industry support for the development of bunkering facilities and other improvements, the Hindu Business Line reports.
Industry participants discussed the issues at the second Coastal Shipping and Inland Water Transportation Business Summit.
Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that the Union Shipping Ministry will start a Ro-Ro service from Chennai in southern India to Mundra in the northwest, serving carmakers in the state of Tamil Nadu, where Chennai is located.
Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy also suggested reduced port charges for coastal shipping, which he said could help the nation's economic development by offering an economic transport option.
"It is very unfortunate that in spite of the inherent advantages and many known benefits, we have not been very successful in exploiting the immense potential of coastal shipping and waterways in our country," he said.
In May, India's Shipping Ministry said it was seeking help from the World Bank's Global Environment Fund (GEF) to boost the nation's coastal shipping sector.
