The Centre is actively considering waiving the cabotage law for the Vallarpadam International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT). A decision in this regard would be taken soon, said K Mohandas, union shipping secretary, on the sidelines of the Cochin Marine Seminar 2011, on Friday.
“The waiver would be applicable to other ports in the country as well. That would help foreign ships engage in coastal trading and bring in more revenue for port trusts. However, the waiver move is being opposed by a section of the Indian shipping companies and a few government departments, and we need to address their concerns too. It is a major policy decision, and hence the delay in reaching a decision,” Mohandas said.
The shipping secretary also said the ministry was considering financial aid for Cochin Port Trust. “The CPT still has to pay Rs 50 crore back to Bombay Port from the Rs 100 crore loan availed some years back. The financial aid would be based on future development and not daily consumption,” he said.
On the confusion over the role of Customs inside Vallarpadam terminal, Mohandas said efforts were underway to bring both the departments together and define rules. “SEZ and Customs have their own laws. Our plan is to unify the rules and make both parties reach an understanding.”
Mohandas said Kochi Port would not get any grant for maintenance dredging work as ports are expected to shoulder this burden.
Earlier, after the inauguration of the seminar, the shipping secretary said India continued to be a minor player among the global shipping community. “We contribute just one per cent of tonnage movement, one per cent of ship building and seven per cent of manpower. We have a long way to go.”
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