Assam: Private Firm Takes Over Management of Pandu and Dhubri Ports to Boost Trade
In a significant development, a private company, A to Z Exim Private Limited, is stepping in to manage the operations of Pandu and Dhubri ports. This transition comes after formal agreements were signed with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Ministries, Government of India.
Located on the Brahmaputra River in Assam, Pandu and Dhubri ports play a vital role in both domestic and international trade. The move to entrust their management to a private entity aligns with the Indian government’s vision to modernize and enhance the efficiency of the country’s ports. This strategy emphasizes greater involvement of the private sector to leverage their expertise and resources for improving port infrastructure.
India Allocates INR 216 Crore for Building an International Cruise Terminal at Visakhapatnam Port
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, has dedicated projects worth ₹216.53 crores to the nation, which includes the inauguration of the state-of-the-art Vizag International Cruise Terminal (VICT) in Vishakhapatnam.
Additionally, the Minister inaugurated Covered Storage Shed-2 in the port area, a world-class truck parking terminal, and an oil refinery berth. These initiatives aim to boost the capacity of Vizag Port (VPA) and position it as a regional hub for both cruise and cargo traffic in the near future.
Collision Between Two Ships Off Greece Leads to a Small Fire on a Containership
Greek authorities are investigating a collision that occurred in the Ionian Sea on the western side of Greece between a cargo ship and a containership overnight. While initial reports suggest minor damage to the vessels, authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire that broke out on the Malta-registered feeder ship Libertas H.
The collision took place in a busy sea lane, approximately four miles from the island of Kefalonia. The Coast Guard reported that there was a “fresh breeze” (Force 5) with wind speeds reaching about 20 knots at the time. Images reveal minor waves on the water.
PM Modi’s Bilateral Meetings with US, Neighboring Nations, and Maritime Partner
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of Mauritius, Bangladesh, and US President Joe Biden ahead of the G20 Summit in New Delhi over the weekend.
The meeting between Modi and Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a key ally in the region, will provide an opportunity to review various initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity for trade, transport, energy, and people-to-people contacts. Bangladesh’s decision to allow the use of its Chattogram and Mongla ports for trans-shipment to India’s northeastern states further bolsters transit connectivity.
Bangladesh and Indonesia Collaborate to Combat Maritime Crimes and Pollution
Bangladesh and Indonesia have emphasized the importance of joint collaboration to prevent maritime crimes and pollution while enhancing disaster response capabilities through modern technology.
During a meeting between Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen and Indonesia’s Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono in Jakarta, Bangladesh sought Indonesia’s assistance in acquiring advanced technological features such as real-time vessel tracking systems via satellite.
