CM Naidu wants AP to become world-class maritime hub

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform Andhra Pradesh into a global maritime hub, leveraging its extensive coastline of over 1,053 kilometers. At a review meeting held at the Secretariat on Wednesday, Naidu outlined key elements of the Maritime Policy 2024, stressing the importance of innovative coastal development, infrastructure provision, and effective governance for achieving sustainable economic growth.

The proposed Maritime Policy focuses on four main areas: port development, port-adjacent area development, shipbuilding clusters, and maritime activities. The officials informed the Chief Minister that specific focus areas have been identified within each element to streamline progress and ensure successful implementation.

Naidu outlined ten key directives for the development of the Maritime Hub:

1. Develop high-capacity ports through a hub-and-spoke model.

2. Integrate port-adjacent areas with industries, the roads and bridges (R&B) sector, and tourism.

3. Connect three industrial corridors within the state to drive future growth.

4. Involve the public in all infrastructure development projects.

5. Promote the P4 model for the development of fishing harbors and ports.

6. Attract global companies to set up shipbuilding and repair industries in the state.

7. Implement a hybrid model for inland waterways, including Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax services (ferry services for freight vehicles and passengers).

8. Incorporate tourism and green energy initiatives within the maritime sector.

9. Collaborate with Indian Maritime University (IMU), CEMS, and IITs for skill development and research, with plans to establish a Maritime University in AP.

10. Introduce best practices for arbitration and dispute resolution through sectoral reforms.

To achieve these goals, Naidu emphasised the strengthening of the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board and the development of maritime tourism, including cruise terminals and flotels. He also stressed the importance of using clean energy to create self-sufficient ports.

During the meeting, Naidu highlighted Andhra Pradesh's achievement of securing second place nationally in Exim cargo handling among non-major ports, with a growth rate of 16%. The state is projected to reach a Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of ₹15.89 lakh crore for the current financial year. Andhra Pradesh also leads the nation with a 32% growth in marine food product exports, contributing 4.84% to India's GDP in 2023-24.

The state currently boasts the major Visakhapatnam port, five non-major ports, and four greenfield ports under construction. The first phase of fishing harbor developments, including Juvaladinne, Uppada, Nizampatnam, and Machilipatnam, is underway, while several others are in the proposal stage.

The AP Port Policy 2015 laid the groundwork for maritime development. Officials are now working to finalize the Maritime Policy 2024, which promises a more comprehensive and forward-looking approach to the sector.