International Container Transhipment Port In Great Nicobar Island:
The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) visited the site of the proposed International Container Transhipment Port (ICTP) at Galathea Bay in Great Nicobar Island.
- ICTP is envisioned to be a transformative initiative aligning with the Maritime India vision 2030 as well as one of the key projects in the Amrit kaal Vision 2047.
- The ICTP is a major infrastructure project that aims to facilitate the transshipment of containers between different ports.
- A transshipment deepwater seaport facilitates the handling of large cargo vessels, featuring a deep water channel and expansive berth areas for efficient loading, unloading, and the seamless transfer of goods between ships at the port.
- The proposed ICTP at Galathea Bay, Great Nicobar Island, is strategically positioned just 40 nautical miles from the International shipping trade route.
- The ICTP aims to become a leading container transshipment port by leveraging its strategic location, natural water depth, and capacity for the transshipment of cargo from nearby ports.
- In India, nearly 75% of transshipped cargo is handled at ports outside the country.
- Colombo, Singapore and Klang handle more than 85% of this cargo with 45% of it handled at Colombo Port alone.
- India is banking on the strategic location of Galathea Bay for export-import trade as it lies on international shipping routes.
- The project is expected to generate forex savings, attract foreign direct investment, and boost economic activity at other Indian ports.
- It will also contribute to enhanced logistics infrastructure, employment generation, and increased revenue share.
- The development of this Mega Container Terminal is a part of the holistic development of Great Nicobar Island.
- The project has received environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
- Stage 1 forest clearance has also been obtained for the project.
- The project is planned to be developed in four phases, with Phase 1 proposed to be commissioned in the year 2028 with a handling capacity of approximately 4 Million (twenty-foot equivalent units)TEUs.
- The handling capacity is expected to increase to 16 Million TEUs in the ultimate stage of development by 2058.
