The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal laid the foundation stone for the third Chemical Berth at Pir Pau Jetty of Mumbai Port Authority to handle chemicals including LPG. 

 

The berth will have a rated capacity of 2 MTPA and cater to very large gas carriers and tankers up to 72,500 displacement tonnage. It will be equipped with the latest safety standards under OISD norms. 

 

Speaking at the 1st Incredible India International Cruise Conference jointly organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Government of India and FICCI, Sarbananda Sonowal said, The Indian cruise market has the potential to grow 10 folds over the next decade, driven by rising demand and disposable incomes. 

 

The government of India realizes this potential and is determined to position India as a global cruise hub with state-of-art infrastructure for both ocean and river cruises, added Sonowal. 

 

Strategies for developing India as a cruise hub, policy initiatives and port infrastructure, potential of river cruise tourism, role of technology in the post-pandemic world are some of the key issues being deliberated at the two day event. 

 

More than 300 delegates representing stakeholders including international and Indian cruise line operators, investors, industry experts and consultants, senior officials of centre and state governments, ports, maritime boards and tourism boards attended the conference.