Question : Maritime Clusters

(a) whether the Government proposes to set up maritime clusters in various States particularly in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat to boost economic development along the coastlines and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether these States are likely to emerge as major maritime clusters with potential for developing shipbuilding, ancillary services, maritime tourism and marine products and if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the extent to which the formation of proposed Coastal Economic Zones under Sagarmala is likely to cut logistics costs and enable more competitive trade in the country?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING
(SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)

(a)&(b):Yes, Madam, two Maritime Clusters have been identified in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, as part of the National Perspective Plan of Sagarmala Programme. Based on the study conducted under Sagarmala Programme, these proposed Maritime Clusters will comprise of shipyards, ancillary units for shipbuilding, service providers for shipping industries, marine tourism and marine products such as fisheries and aqua culture.

(c)The proposed Coastal Economic Zones (CEZs) are aimed at promoting development of port-proximate industrial clusters, encourage port-led development, reduction of logistics cost and time for movement of EXIM and domestic cargo and enhance the global competitiveness of Indian manufacturing sector. The port linked industrial clusters proposed in CEZs are expected to provide an approximate logistic cost saving of Rs. 5,500-6,500 crore per annum and boost export by approximate to Rs7.432 lakh crore (USD 110 billion) and generate an employment of 1 crore new jobs including 40 lakh direct jobs and 60 lakh indirect jobs by the year 2025.
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