The ever increasing quantum of maritime trade arising from the rapid economic growth, following the liberalization of the economy, has brought into focus the urgent need to upgrade existing major ports and develop new greenfield sites. With the accent on privatization there is a growing awareness for upgrading the existing ports by way of additional berths and equipment, fishing jetties, loading unloading jetties and developmental new sites.
India has 6400 km of coastline with the associated territorial water and exclusive economic zones. The bulk of ocean trade is presently handled through its 13 major ports.
Intermediate, minor and fishing ports which contribute less than 25% of the total maritime trade would have to take up a much larger share of the future growth. Total manageable waterways including rivers, canals & backwater extend to 4500 km. Out of this about 5200 km in major rivers and 484 km in canal (total 5684 km) is suitable for mechanized crafts.
The Government of India has taken initiative to bridge this gap by developing the third mode of transport in the country by way of River Navigation. This is to improve transport logistics of the country. The recent trends in India towards speedier development of Ports and Inland Waterways through private sector participation has given impetus to this sector.
Maritime trade would have to take up a total manageable. Today the company has a leading share of the private sector market in Ports and Harbours consultancy. Ports and Harbours unit of WAPCOS with the support of physical and mathematical modelling techniques offers complete range of consultants services right from conception to commissioning of the project related to Ports & Harbours, Costal Engineering & Inland Water Transport.
