Africa is home to a strong maritime industry but has experienced a shortage in certain areas. eThekwini Maritime Cluster signed an MOU with Servest, an integrated facility management organization, to close the gap. This is yet another example of the important maritime clusters can play in achieving any goal within the marine industry.
A network of companies, research organizations, and innovation units in the maritime industry is becoming more prominent for their contribution to the marine sector’s sustainable development. For the past 15 years, Denmark has been developing its maritime cluster strategy. The result? It is the fifth-largest merchant vessel fleet in the world today.
The concept of maritime clusters was not introduced in India until very recently. A draft prepared under the Sagarmala program by the shipping ministry showed that they were one of the key points for economic development along the coasts. However, it is crucial to increase the number of initiatives related to maritime clusters.
One reason is that many marine businesses are migrating to countries like Luxembourg and Switzerland because of the unfavorable environment in their home country. Adani Group, for example, has a variety of port projects, from Goa and Gujarat to Chennai and Kerala. However, it still charters out of Dubai despite its many ports. The establishment of maritime clusters could create opportunities for Indians and help India achieve its vision of self-reliance.
It will reduce Indian players’ dependence on international dispute resolution centers when it comes down to resolving issues related to bunkers, the sale, and repair of ships, shipbuilding, and commodities. Gujarat Mediation and Arbitration Centre, (GMAC), is being constructed as part of the Gujarat Maritime Cluster. It is expected to be India’s first maritime country with similar centers. India’s government has high hopes for other states, such as Goa.
The presence of Mormugao port backed by players like Vedanta and Adani Group Goa can also prove to be a favorable location for the establishment of maritime clusters.
Indian ports account for around 95 percent of trade volume and play an important role in the country’s overall economy. The launch of maritime clusters will address the problems in this sector, which contributes so much towards our country’s GDP. It will also open the way to the development of marine facilities of the highest quality and immense employment opportunities.
