Ports leads Economic
and various Development – Kerala is marked on the global business map.
While port-led growth
can create job opportunities and stimulate local economies, it can also lead to
displacement of communities and environmental degradation. Balancing economic
development with social equity and environmental sustainability is crucial.
The Vizhinjam International Seaport Thiruvananthapuram - IN NYY 1 is
India's first deep-water container transhipment port. Situated just 10 nautical
miles from the international east-west shipping route, it boasts a natural
depth of 20 meters and is a greenfield, all-weather, transhipmet port. Notably,
it holds the distinction of being India's first automated port and is the only
one in the country located adjacent to an international shipping route. The
Vizhinjam International Seaport is a versatile facility capable of
accommodating the largest cargo vessels in the world, including Ultra Large
Container Ships (ULCS). Upon full completion, this seaport will be able to meet
75 percent of India's container transshipment demands. Kerala is
historical place related to marine world.
Since the start of
maritime trade, ports have played a central role in the economic and social
development of countries. More than 80 percent of global merchandise trade (by
volume) is transported via sea routes. A considerable and increasing proportion
of this volume, accounting for about 35 percent of total volumes and over 60
percent of commercial value, is carried in containers. Container ports are
essential nodes in global supply chains and are crucial to the growth strategies
of many emerging economies.
The development of
high-quality port infrastructure, operated efficiently, has often been a
prerequisite for successful growth strategies, particularly those driven by
exports. When done correctly, it fosters the necessary confidence to attract
investment in production and distribution systems, supporting the growth of
manufacturing and logistics, creating employment, and increasing income levels.
Navigating
the Future: the Importance of Port Development in International Shipping.
Port expansions play a
crucial role in enhancing a region's economic growth, trade efficiency, and
connectivity. Beyond this, a new port infrastructure can pave the way for
implementing new equipment, and technology, and ultimately helps ensure further
or enhanced connectivity.
Unveiling the Vital
Role of Ports in Global Prosperity
Acting as global trade gateways Ports serve as the primary entry and exit
points for international trade and act as key connection points for regions
with diverse economies and markets.
Strategic trade
routes
The strategic positioning of many ports along major international trade
routes makes them essential hubs for transshipment.
Intermodal
connectivity
Advanced port infrastructure supports intermodal transportation and means
cargo can seamlessly transition between ships, trucks, trains, and airplanes,
enhancing supply chain efficiency.
Large scale
distribution centres
Goods that come into ports are often sorted, consolidated, and redistributed to local and regional markets.
Efficient cargo handling
Ports are equipped with specialised equipment and technologies for efficient cargo handling, storage, and distribution. These resources streamline the loading and unloading of goods, reducing transit times and costs.
Across the globe, some ports specialise in handling specific types of
cargo, such as bulk commodities, containerised goods, or perishable items. This
type of value-added service ensures that specific industry needs can be met.
Ports contribute significantly to national and regional economies by generating employment, attracting business investments, and fostering industrial growth. They create jobs not only within the port facilities but also in related industries like logistics, transportation, and manufacturing. Ports' capabilities often influence foreign direct investment decisions. Countries with well-developed and efficient ports are often more attractive to foreign investors looking to establish or expand their operations.
Fostering trade
relationships
Ports become points of interaction and exchange for cultures, technologies, and ideas, leading to increased international cooperation and improved trade relationships.
Global
competitiveness
Efficient ports contribute to lower transportation costs, reduced lead times, and improved overall competitiveness in international markets.
The Power of Port
Infrastructure Evolution
Port expansion is essential for accommodating growing trade, fostering
economic prosperity, reducing logistical challenges, and ensuring that
different businesses can remain competitive in the global market.
The Driving Forces Propelling Port
Development
Accommodating Larger Vessels : With the development of mega-container ships and other large vessels port infrastructures need to expand to create deeper berths and broader navigation channels required to accommodate them.
Containerisation
The adoption of containerisation has revolutionised international trade. As a result, ports need to adapt by expanding container terminals and storage areas to handle the larger number of containers arriving on ships.
Growth and Investment : Because port expansions often contribute to regional and national economic growth, governments, and private investors recognise the potential for job creation, increased revenue from trade-related activities, and the attraction of foreign investment.
Similarly, population growth in urban areas can drive demand for consumer goods. In turn, this requires ports to expand to increase their import and export activities to handle the resulting trade volume.
Infrastructure Modernisation : Aging port infrastructure may no longer meet the demands of modern shipping practices and technology. Port expansions involve modernising facilities to include advanced technologies, automated systems, and eco-friendly solutions.
Abundant Natural Resources : Countries with copious natural resources, such as minerals or energy products, often require expanded ports to accommodate the export of these resources to global markets.
Tourism : As evidenced in Belfast, ports that serve as popular cruise ship destinations may need to expand to accommodate the growing cruise industry and provide improved passenger facilities.
Ultimately, ports must continually adapt and expand their capacities to remain competitive, meet the demands of adynamic global trade landscape, and ultimately facilitate efficient trade flows.
Port Expansion and
the Economic Impacts
Port development can have significant economic benefits. Their ability
to accommodate larger vessels, increase cargo handling capacities, and enhance
trade efficiency has a significant impact on global trade networks and shipping
routes in numerous ways:
Shipping route optimisation : Shipping lines
often seek the most efficient routes to reduce costs and transit times.
Expanded ports can be strategically located to offer better connectivity
between different regions, causing shipping lines to adjust their routes
accordingly.
Expanded Capacity for Mega-Ships : Port expansions
often involve deepening berths and widening navigation channels to accommodate
mega-container ships and other large vessels. This enables shipping lines to
use these expanded ports as key hubs, influencing the routes they choose to
take and driving more trade through certain regions.
New Transshipment Hubs : Ports that
undergo development can become transshipment hubs. This can reshape shipping
routes as vessels may now include additional stops at these hubs, optimising
the distribution of goods across multiple regions.
Global Supply Chain Reconfiguration : Ports with
expanded capacities can lead to reconfigurations in supply chains.
Manufacturers and shippers may opt for different transportation routes,
choosing the most efficient and cost-effective paths that involve the newly
expanded ports.
Sustainability : Sustainability
has become a fundamental aspect of modern port development, reflecting the need
to protect the environment and support local communities. It is also a vital
aspect in ensuring the long-term success of port operations in a rapidly
changing world.
Kerala Marked as a
major role in marine world:
The coastal length of Kerala is
around 585 kms. There are 17 ports in our state which include 1 major port, 3
intermediate ports and 13 minor ports. The major port in Kerala is the Cochin
port. All the other ports are under the control of the Kerala Government.
Cochin Shipyard
Limited : Shipyard was incorporated in the year 1972 as a fully owned Government
of India company. In the last three decades the company has emerged as a
forerunner in the Indian Shipbuilding & Ship repair industry. This yard can
build and repair the largest vessels in India.
Indian Naval
Academy : Academy is the defence service training establishment for officer cadre
of the Indian Naval Service and the Indian Coast Guard, located in Ezhimala,
Kannur district, Kerala. Situated between Ezhimala hill and the Kavvayi
backwaters, INA has a 7 kilometre beach front on the Laccadive Sea.
Passenger Ships and Cruises : Passenger Ships and Cruises
Connecting Kerala to the Middle East/GCC
Kochi Water Metro: Kochi became
India's first city to have a Water Metro Project. Kerala has become India's
first city to have a Water Metro Project after the launch of its first boat in
December 2021, namely 'Muziris,' among the 23 battery-powered electric boats
being manufactured by Cochin Shipyard Limited. E-Boats - 75+ , Routes – 15, Kilometres
– 70+
