Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH, Sarbananda Sonowal, unveiled two groundbreaking digital modules under the SagarSetu (NLP-Marine) platform. The Maritime Single Window (MSW) and the Mercantile Maritime Department (MMD) modules were introduced in the esteemed presence of Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Shripad Y Naik, and senior officials from the Ministry.
Addressing the occasion, Sonowal highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to transforming and modernizing ports in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. The MSW module aligns with global standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), demonstrating adherence to the FAL Convention for harmonizing and standardizing processes. Sonowal emphasized that the launch marks not just technological advancement but a dedication to shaping India’s Maritime Sector future through digitization.
Minister Shripad Y Naik expressed that the event signifies a pivotal moment in reshaping the maritime industry towards efficiency and embracing the digital era. The MSW module, part of SagarSetu (NLP-M), is a state-of-the-art digital platform designed to revolutionize maritime information exchange, emphasizing harmonisation for efficient data submission. It streamlines electronic submission, processing, and communication between government authorities, port operators, shipping agents, and trade associations, contributing to faster turnaround times for vessels and goods in ports.
The Mercantile Maritime Department (MMD) Module within SagarSetu’s NLP(M) incorporates two core functionalities in the Maritime Mobile Domain process. The Vessel Detention function efficiently monitors ships at ports, facilitating inspection planning, and the Vessel Release functionality updates the release status after re-inspection. These capabilities streamline vessel monitoring, inspection, and release processes, enhancing efficiency and coordination in maritime operations.
Launched in April 2023, the ‘SAGAR-SETU’ mobile app offers real-time information on vessels, gate details, container freight stations, and transactions, streamlining import and export clearances. The Maritime Vision 2030 focuses on enhancing Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and operational efficiency through technology, potentially saving major ports Rs 2,000-2,500 crore.
The maritime sector’s vital role, responsible for nearly 90 per cent of international cargo volume, has prompted significant technological advancements and innovations. The ‘SwachhtaPakhwada’ awards were also presented during the event, recognizing outstanding contributions to cleanliness and sanitation initiatives by various organizations of MoPSW, with Inland Waterways Authority of India, Indian Maritime University (IMU), and Visakhapatnam port securing the top honors.
Sonowal commended the efforts of the port and its subsidiaries during the Swachhta Pakhwada, highlighting the commendable commitment to cleanliness standards. The cleaning campaign, spanning from October 1st to October 15th, 2023, orchestrated a series of 62 events, engaging a total of 4,500 participants.