Asia/Pacific News
Calls for New Bunker Terminal, Tax Free Bunkers in Gujarat as Part of Maritime Infrastructure Developments
Saurabh Patel, Minister for the Indian state of Gujarat, has called for a new bunkering terminal on Priam Island and tax free bunkers as part of several maritime developments planned for the region, local media reports.
The government of Gujarat is said to be intending to develop a "maritime cluster" in the region to focus commercial soft services, and has asked the union's shipping minister to develop a supporting tax structure in the image of those in London, Singapore, Dubai, and Rotterdam.
Speaking at the first Sararmala apex committee in New Delhi, Patel said an integrated port management system (IPMS) and a university were also part of the plans.
The university is said to be intended to be a regional centre for maritime industry excellence, intended to serve India, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), as well as African and Central-East countries.
In June, it was reported that the Government of India approved the Ministry of Shipping's proposal to ratify the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage.
