20th Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) Concludes in Goa, Paving the Way for India’s Maritime Future

Goa: The 20th Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) in Goa concluded today, marking significant progress for India’s maritime sector. Over the two-day event, more than 80 critical issues involving the Central Government, States, and Union Territories were successfully addressed. Key focus areas included port infrastructure modernization, connectivity, maritime tourism, statutory compliance, navigation projects, sustainability, and port security.

The MSDC resolved over 100 issues, including vital new challenges. Notable outcomes include the establishment of Places of Refuge (PoR) for ships in distress and the development of Radioactive Detection Equipment (RDE) infrastructure at ports, enhancing maritime security. Additionally, seafarers were recognized as key essential workers, improving their working conditions and access to shore leave.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, emphasized the MSDC’s vital role in aligning policies, particularly the Indian Ports Bill and the Sagarmala program. “By resolving key issues between the Central Government, states, and maritime boards, the MSDC has ensured the seamless development of India’s maritime infrastructure. Coastal states can now better capitalize on emerging opportunities,” he stated.

Sonowal highlighted recent developments under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, including the foundation stone for India’s 13th Major Port at Vadhavan, Maharashtra, a Rs 76,220 crore project, and the designation of Galathea Bay in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as a Major Port, with a Rs 44,000 crore investment.

The Sagarmala program, launched in 2015, has identified 839 projects with a total investment of Rs 5.79 lakh crore, slated for completion by 2035. So far, 262 projects worth Rs 1.40 lakh crore have been completed, while 217 projects worth Rs 1.65 lakh crore are actively being implemented.

Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming India’s maritime landscape. He noted that initiatives such as digital platforms and ease of doing business reforms are advancing India’s role in global maritime trade.

In a significant step to streamline regulatory processes, the MSDC launched the National Safety in Ports Committee (NSPC) application on the National Single Window System platform, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs for stakeholders.

Discussions during the MSDC also covered the establishment of a Mega Shipbuilding Park, integrating resources from various states to consolidate shipbuilding capabilities, driving growth in India’s maritime sector. Additionally, the launch of the Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre (IIMDRC) will provide a specialized platform for resolving complex maritime disputes.

The event also saw the keel-laying ceremony for India’s largest 12,000 Cu. M. Trailer Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD) at Cochin Shipyard Limited, marking a first for India’s shipbuilding industry.

The State Ranking Framework and Port Ranking System were introduced to foster competition and improve performance across coastal states. The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat, was also highlighted as a major international tourist destination, with ongoing collaborations from 25 countries.