Sarbananda Sonowal dedicates first Made in India ASTDS tug
The Tug ‘Ocean Grace’ is built by Cochin Shipyard Limited under
MoPSW promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat
The Mobile Medical Unit dedicated will offer a wide range of healthcare services
There are 53 Sagarmala Projects worth Rs. 54,500 Crores in the state of Odisha
The goal of the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) is to convert at least
50% of all tugs into Green Tugs by 2030
Under the leadership of PM Modi Paradip Port has set a shining example of
progress and growth: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal
Sarbananda
Sonowal, Union Minister of MoPSW & AYUSH inaugurated the 60T bollard pull
tug named ‘Ocean Grace’ and the Medical Mobile Unit (MMU), virtually on 2nd
March, 2024. The Ocean Grace is the first make in India ASTDS Tug developed by
the Cochin Shipyard Limited under MoPSW. The Medical Mobile Unit (MMU) is part
of port’s commitment to corporate social responsibility. This initiative
highlights ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative of PM Modi. The event was attended
virtually by dignitaries namely Shripad Naik, Union MoS of MoPSW and
Tourism; Shantanu Thakur, Union MoS of MoPSW; TK Ramachandran, Secretary, MoPSW
and others.
During the event Sarbananda
Sonowal said, ‘Paradip Port stands as a shining example of progress and growth.
With each passing year, it sets new benchmarks in EXIM traffic management,
symbolizing Ministry’s commitment to efficiency and excellence. ‘
‘Under the visionary
leadership of PM Modi, MoPSW is making efforts to fulfil Atmanirbhar Bharat
initiatives. The 'Ocean Grace' built at a cost of Rs. 45 crores, stands as a
pinnacle of maritime engineering, equipped with cutting-edge technology and
boasting a remarkable bollard pull of 60 tonnes. Its imminent inauguration
heralds a significant leap forward in our pursuit of maritime infrastructure
excellence, promising years of uninterrupted and flawless port operations
ahead’, added Shri Sonowal.
The first ASTDS tug is powered by NIGATA main engines and
a Power Z-Peller ZP Propulsion engine, this tug is meticulously designed for
optimal efficiency and reliability, guaranteeing seamless navigation and
proficient vessel assistance, especially for large vessels like VLCCs and ULCCs.
The goal of the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) is
to convert at least 50% of all tugs into Green Tugs by 2030 and to have Green
Tugs operating at all major ports. JNPA, DPA, PPA, and VoCPA will purchase two
brand-new green tugs (battery-electric powered) from Cochin Shipyard by 2027 as
part of the first phase. Today, PPA fulfilled the vision by coming up with
India’s first ASTDS Tug. By implementing measures to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions, domestic/short sea shipping ferries, port vessels
(tugs/crafts/dredgers), and OSVs/PSVs aim to achieve a remarkable reduction of
50% by 2030 to 70% by 2047.
Under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, in the coming
years’ the Decarbonisation Cell is set to pioneer the development of cutting-edge
technology vessels, initiating pilot runs across various categories. This
ambitious initiative includes the introduction of five electric water taxis,
two hybrid electric Ro-Ro ferries, and two hybrid LNG electric cargo carriers.
Furthermore, the plan entails deploying a hybrid tug at JNPA, along with three
dual-fuel container Ro-Ro ferries. The endeavour extends to incorporating green
hydrogen and ammonia-powered tugs at four major ports. Additionally, the vision
encompasses the deployment of a green hydrogen or ammonia-propelled coastal
cargo bulk carrier, along with an offshore vessel, showcasing a dedicated
commitment towards sustainable maritime practices and environmental stewardship.
In the state of Odisha, the Sagarmala Programme has been
instrumental in driving significant infrastructural development along its
coastal areas. Currently, 53 projects valued at approximately Rs. 54,500 Cr are
being monitored, with 21 projects already completed, amounting to Rs. 12,700
Cr. An additional 32 projects, valued at Rs. 41,800 Cr, are in various stages
of implementation. Notably, 7 projects, partially funded by MoPSW, are
underway, with one completed and six in progress. Furthermore, under the
Holistic Development of Coastal Districts initiative, nine projects, totalling
Rs. 157 Cr, have been identified, focusing on fisheries, skill development,
tourism, and urban water transportation. Ongoing endeavours include the
transformation of the Paradip fishing harbour into a world-class facility, with
a budget of Rs. 108 Cr, and the up-skilling of 2860 candidates through the
Skill Development Program – Phase II. Looking ahead, upcoming projects aim to
uplift the fishermen community by establishing a fishing harbour at Chandipur
and improving ferry services between Satapada and Jahnikuda, with a focus on
enhancing local connectivity and preserving ecological balance amidst climate
change challenges.
Paradip Port significantly contributes to Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, encompassing education, environment,
healthcare, sanitation, electricity, sports, and culture. The inauguration of
the Medical Mobile Unit (MMU) exemplifies this commitment. Costing around Rs
48LPA to operate, the MMU reflects the port's dedication to providing
accessible healthcare to underprivileged communities nearby. Staffed with
skilled medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, technicians, and
pharmacists, the MMU offers various services like maternal and paediatric care,
disease management, and health awareness programs. Its mobility ensures
healthcare reaches those in need across Paradip and its surrounding areas.
It is noteworthy that Paradip Port’s expansion is at
centre stage now. The Western Dock project worth Rs 3,004.63 crore is a crucial
step towards enhancing its capacity to over 300MTPA in next two years. The
project encompasses the creation of a new dock, equipped with state-of-the-art
infrastructure and handling facilities, tailored to accommodate various dry
bulk cargoes. Moreover, the project includes deepening the inner harbour to
accommodate Cape vessels, necessitating draft depths of up to 18 meters.
The project involves deepening and optimization of inner harbour
facilities including development of western dock on build, operate and transfer
(BOT) basis under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode at Paradip Port.
Paradip Port's noteworthy trajectory is further
highlighted by its central role in coastal shipping, managing almost 25% of the
coastal traffic handled by all ports in the country. It offers enterprises all
throughout the nation economical and effective port services, operating at over
80% berth mechanization. Notably, Paradip Port tops the list of Major Ports in
productivity; in the fiscal year 2022–2023, it achieved 32,500 metric tons per
ship berth day, enhancing its standing as a major participant in the Indian
maritime sector.