New Delhi: The government may not look at building new shipyards in the country proposed in the Maritime Agenda, as the existing ones are already finding it difficult to get business.
"Presently there is no demand, the existing shipyards are not getting business as expected," a Shipping Ministry official said.
The government last year, while unveiling the Maritime Agenda 2010-12, had proposed setting up a major port each on the east and west coast of India, along with with respective shipyards.
However, while the proposal of setting up the two ports stands, the one for shipyards at these ports may be revisited due to lack of demand.
India has over 40 shipyards owned and operated by both private as well as public sector.
The coastal states -- Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa -- have been asked to suggest sites for setting up a port.
Under the agenda, the ministry also proposes to create an Ombudsman or Tribunal for Shipping matters.
The ministry also plans to promote coastal shipping as it will help in decongesting our roads and is environment friendly.
The total proposed investments in the shipping sector by 2020 is Rs 1,65,000 crore.
The government plans to increase coastal shipping and facilitate hassle-free multi-modal transport by 2020.
India also envisages bilateral maritime agreements with selected countries or regions for mutual benefit.
About 95 per cent by volume and 70 per cent by value of India`s trade is through the sea route.
PTI
