NMPA organises workshop on ‘Maritime Adversities’

MANGALORE : New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) conducted a highly informative and insightful workshop on Maritime Adversities to various stakeholders including DDMA, ICG etc. The workshop aimed to enhance awareness and preparedness among all stakeholders / Port users regarding the challenges faced in the maritime industry and the strategies to mitigate potential adversities.

Shri Mullai Muhilan M.P, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of DK Dist., Mangalore, inaugurated the workshop, in August presence of, Dr. A. V. Ramana, Chairman, NMPA, Shri K. G. Nath, Dy. Chairman, Dr. R.D.Tripathi, Environment Advisor, IPA&Capt. Manoj Joshi, Deputy Conservator from Mormugao Port Authority. The event highlighted the importance of proactive measures to address maritime adversities and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts within the industry.

Capt. S. R. Pattanayak, Dy. Conservator, NMPA gave a brief background on the roles and responsibilities of different organizations & government bodies, assessing crisis in advance and to have better co-ordination during the crisis. During his speech, he also recalled the arrest of MT Global Emerald due to non-payment of bunkering charges by the vessel owner to the bunker supplier. Though NMPA is not a party to the said case, in the overall interest of the safety of the environment and ecology NMPA expressed its concern to the honorable High Court of Karnataka and pleaded for relief. Despite NMPA’s explanation and request regarding the environmental concerns, the court’s order wasn’t of any relief. He also informed that NMPA has again applied to the Honorable High Court of Karnataka, reiterating the safety concerns to protect the environment and ecology. During his speech he also urged all the stakeholders to appraise the Honorable High Court regarding the safety of the environment and protection of the coast of India. In the interest to protect the environment and ecology the said vessel should be allowed to sail out from the Indian territorial waters.

Chairman, NMPA during his Presidential address at the Maritime Adversities workshop, the highlighted the volatile monsoon conditions in the Arabian Sea from June to November, posing high risks to maritime operations. He emphasized the need for stakeholder’s awareness regarding vessel fitness regulations, rogue vessels, and roles of different stake holders. The port’s proactive measures, including a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), were outlined to prevent incidents and pollution. The Chairman announced upcoming infrastructure projects for the port’s Golden Jubilee year celebration in 2025. He praised the port’s financial performance and projected cargo handling targets, expressing optimism about improved connectivity enhancing future growth. Appreciating the Deputy Commissioner’s efficient conduct of general elections, he emphasized the importance of such leadership qualities for societal progress.

The workshop witnessed two distinguished domain experts; Dr. R.D. Tripathi, Environment Advisor from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, and Capt. Manoj Joshi, Deputy Conservator from Mormugao Port Authority deliberating on informative presentations on a wide range of topics, including; various processes and eventualities associated with shipping, Roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders including ICG, preventive actions, preparedness and crisis management in dealing with maritime adversities.

The workshop received overwhelming participation and garnered positive feedback from all stakeholders across maritime fraternity, who appreciated the initiative of conducting the workshop to enhance their awareness.

Captain S. R. Pattanayak, Deputy Conservator, NMPA expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the august gathering and speakers of the workshop.