The Ministry of Shipping is all set to lay emphasis on tapping the potential of coastal shipping, improving inland water connectivity, increasing the number of seafarers as also creating a vibrant shipbuilding/breaking industry, says a report.
The Minister of State for Shipping (Independent Charge), Mr Mansukh Mandaviya, said recently that utilisation of coastal shipping in India is currently very low in comparison to the potential. Since it is environment-friendly and cost-competitive, coastal shipping can reduce the pressure on rail and road, he stressed.
Besides, he noted that apart from shipbuilding and ship repair, the ship breaking industry has huge potential, pointing out that through ship recycling we can easily get 8 per cent of our steel needs. The Minister also said that promoting inland water transport on the river Ganga was one of his priorities, the report added.
