Trends
The following trends are clear in the harbour sector:* A larger role of private players locally and abroad. A strong growth
potential, a favourable investment climate and fiscal advantages
from federal state governments encourage investment.
* The private sector is getting more and more involved in logistic
services
* Close to harbours Special Economic Zones (SEZ) will be arranged
in which certain branches of industry will receive strategic advantage
* India develops new harbours at the coast where by natural deep
channels are already present. Existing ports invest in the deepening and
keeping to the mark of their channels
* There will be special terminals capable of handling one kind of cargo,
for instance the LNG-terminal at Dahej Port
* In order to encourage private investment the Indian government
has changed the organisation model of the sea ports from
a 'service port' to a 'landlord port!' In the landlord port model the
port authority is regulator only, whilst the actual management of the
harbour is in the hands of private parties.
Improvements of hinterland connections
Three projects are involved in the development of the hinterland links:
* Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor
* Eastern Freigh Corridor
* Chennai-Bangalore Industrial Corridor
Shipping Connections
In the area of shipping connections the Sethusamudram-project plays a role.
Aim: a navigable route for shipping from the Palk Street/Gulf of Mannar between the mainland of India and Sri-Lanka coastal trade.
Coastal shipping
Ports may be an alternative transport modality for jammed road transport. Furthermore a ferry service (ro-ro especially for Gujarat) may be on the books and also the accommodation of cruise ships.
Cabotage
For the development of harbours it is of great importance whether India will relax the rules for cabotage and open this market also for companies from abroad.