There will be many new initiatives in maritime sector in the future: Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal

There will be many new initiatives in maritime sector in the future, stated Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and AYUSH Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in Mumbai today. “People should know about the prospects, potential and strength of water transportation mode. It should be used optimally with the help of technology. We should move forward by using our natural resources”, Shri Sonowal urged. The Union Minister was addressing the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), along with Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Shantanu Thakur.

The Union Ministers virtually flagged off MV SCI Chennai from Kandla Port for EXIM trades with the middle-eastern countries. The vessel will sail from Kandla, proceed to Kochi and Tuticorin for loading export cargo and sail towards the Middle East.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sonowal said, students residing in different parts of India should know about the opportunities in the maritime sector and how the marine resources can be utilized for the development of our country as well as mankind.

Shri Sonowal applauded SCI for playing a big role in fulfilling the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Transformation through transportation’. “SCI will have to further show its strength in the future”, he said. He said, SCI has played an important role in spreading India’s name and fame across the world for the last 60 years. The Minister also praised SCI for organizing the diamond jubilee programme only with in-house people and no outside help, thereby displaying a spirit of self-reliance and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Shri Sonowal felicitated the all-women crew members of SCI’s MT Swarna Krishna which was flagged off from JNPT Liquid Berth Jetty on March 6, 2021 and created history. Congratulating the brave-hearts, the Minister said to them: “You have set a big example which will bring more women into this field in the future”. The voyage was a historic one for the global shipping sector and the Union Minister extolled the courage of the woman seafarers and termed them as a glowing example of India’s Nari Shakti taking on a male dominated industry.

Union MoS Shri Thakur said, “We are striving to develop all major ports of India in every possible manner in accordance with international standards”.

Shri Sonowal also virtually launched a coffee-table book on the eventful journey of SCI over the last 60 years. The coffee-table book may be accessed here.

Coinciding with the program, the Union Minister planted a Tulsi sapling at the SCI campus and witnessed a colourful play and cultural display showcased by members of the SCI family.

The dignitaries present on the occasion included Lok Sabha MP Shri Manoj Kotak, Shipping Secretary Dr. Sanjeev Ranjan, Chairman of Mumbai Port Trust Rajeev Jalota and CMD of SCI Mrs. HK Joshi.

Chairperson & Manaaging Director, SCI Mrs. HK Joshi said, “SCI’s innovative measures and financial prudence have been a great contributor to the organization”.

The event showcased cultural programs which highlighted the achievements of the organization over the last 60 years.

The event was attended by officials of the Ministry and of Directorate General of Shipping.

About SCI

The Shipping Corporation of India was established on October 2nd, 1961, by the amalgamation of Eastern Shipping Corporation and Western Shipping Corporation. The Government of India has conferred “Navratna” status to SCI on 01.08.2008 – enhanced autonomy and delegation of powers to the Company towards capital expenditure, formation of Joint Ventures, mergers, etc. A detailed brief about SCI can be found here.