Andhra Pradesh Aims to Become a Global Maritime Hub with Ambitious Maritime Policy 2024

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has unveiled a visionary plan to position Andhra Pradesh as a global maritime hub, capitalizing on its extensive 1,053-kilometer coastline. At a review meeting held at the Secretariat on Wednesday, Naidu emphasized the importance of innovative coastal development, robust infrastructure, and effective governance as cornerstones of sustainable economic growth.

The Maritime Policy 2024, a cornerstone of this vision, focuses on four primary areas: port development, port-adjacent area development, shipbuilding clusters, and maritime activities. Officials presented key focus areas within these elements to ensure streamlined implementation and measurable progress.

Key Directives for the Maritime Hub

To drive this transformation, Naidu outlined ten key directives:

Hub-and-Spoke Model: Develop high-capacity ports using this approach.

Integrated Development: Link port-adjacent areas with industries, roads, bridges, and tourism.

Industrial Corridors: Connect three industrial corridors to enhance growth potential.

Public Involvement: Ensure public participation in infrastructure projects.

P4 Model: Promote Public-Private-People partnerships for fishing harbor and port development.

Global Investment: Attract international companies to establish shipbuilding and repair industries.

Hybrid Waterways: Implement inland waterways using Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax services for passengers and freight.

Tourism and Green Energy: Integrate sustainable energy initiatives with maritime tourism projects.

Skill Development: Collaborate with institutions like IMU, CEMS, and IITs to enhance research and establish a Maritime University in Andhra Pradesh.

Dispute Resolution: Introduce sectoral reforms for arbitration and conflict management.

Progress and Achievements

Naidu highlighted Andhra Pradesh's strides in the maritime sector, including achieving the second position nationally in Exim cargo handling among non-major ports with a 16% growth rate. The state also leads India with a 32% increase in marine food product exports, contributing 4.84% to India’s GDP in 2023-24.

With a projected Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of ₹15.89 lakh crore this financial year, the state is advancing key projects like the development of the major Visakhapatnam port, five non-major ports, and four greenfield ports under construction.

Infrastructure and Future Plans

The first phase of fishing harbor developments at Juvaladinne, Uppada, Nizampatnam, and Machilipatnam is already underway, with additional proposals in the pipeline. The groundwork laid by the AP Port Policy 2015 has paved the way for the upcoming Maritime Policy 2024, which promises a more integrated and future-focused approach.

Naidu emphasized the strengthening of the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board, the promotion of maritime tourism with cruise terminals and flotels, and the adoption of clean energy to create self-sufficient ports, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a leader in the maritime sector.