core sector communique

SCI Celebrates Valedictory Function of its Golden Jubilee

Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh has called for an accelerated pace of expansion in the shipping industry and the port sector through public private partnership. Addressing the valedictory function of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Shipping Corporation of India in Mumbai today , he stressed that India’s growing economy offers an excellent opportunity for the maritime sector and there is an urgent need to develop the shipping sector in tune with the global economic environment.

Earlier addressing the function, the Union Shipping Minister Shri GK Vasan said, in the last two years 22 PPP projects have been awarded at an estimated cost of Rs.14178 crore. This includes the prestigious ICTT at Vallarpadam in Cochin, which was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.

Following is the text of the speech of the Union Shipping Minister Shri GK Vasan :

“It is indeed a proud moment in the country’s maritime history that ‘The Shipping Corporation of India’ – a Navratna Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Shipping is completing 50 years in the service of the nation and its economy as its premier Flag Carrier.

Since its inception in 1961, SCI has witnessed steady and robust growth in the last 50 years. Today SCI is a world-class shipping company having its footprint in most of the segments of the shipping industry serving India’s EXIM trade. Its modern fuel efficient fleet accounts for nearly one-third of the country’s tonnage.

The UPA Government, under the dynamic leadership of Dr.Manmohan Singhji and able guidance of Shrimati Sonia Gandhiji, has taken various initiatives to strengthen the port infrastructure and capacity in the country and to augment the tonnage of Indian Shipping.

In the last two years 22 PPP projects have been awarded at an estimated cost of Rs.14178 crore. This includes the prestigious ICTT at Vallarpadam in Cochin, which was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister. The first phase of the Fourth Container Terminal in JNPT for creation of a capacity of 4.8 million TEUs, which is one of the largest in the country, has been awarded recently. The Indian tonnage crossed 10 million GT last year and stands at 10.75 million GT as on date.

The shipping sector has been facing many challenges in recent times. One of the biggest challenges is the rise in incidents of piracy off the coast of Somalia. The Shipping Ministry has been working in close coordination with the MEA, the Indian Navy and other International agencies to tackle this menace. Recently we have issued guidelines for engaging armed guards from private security agencies on-board Indian flag ships.

In order to tackle marine accidents and the consequential oil pollution, we are issuing a notification regulating the movement of ships over 25 years of age. I am confident that these restrictions will make our coastline safer and cleaner.

Before I conclude, I would like to compliment the CMD,Directors, officers and staff of the Shipping Corporation of India and urge them to redouble their efforts to take SCI to greater heights.

SCI as a flag bearer of Indian shipping, has the onerous responsibility to lead the shipping fraternity and make India one of the top maritime nations in the world, which I am sure they will do in right earnest.

I specially thank the Hon’ble Prime Minister for kindly agreeing to address this august gathering and gracing this momentous occasion.

I also take this opportunity to thank His Excellency the Governor of Maharashtra and the honourable Chief Minister and other dignitaries on and off the dais for having spared their valuable time to participate in this historic event.”