Indian maritime industry is poised for a sea change!

The first edition of PORT & SHIP INTERNATIONAL INDIA exhibition, a premier exhibition on the maritime industry was inaugurated at Mumbai Exhibition Centre. An International Exhibition showcased the Shipbuilding, Marine Equipment, Dredging, Ports & Port Technology, Ocean Engineering and Marine Offshore Technology. PORT & SHIP INTERNATIONAL INDIA has proved to be the most comprehensive exhibition on the Indian Maritime Industry that has brought all industry professionals on a common platform to meet and do business in India. This major event was visited by Shri Pritam Kumar Shegaonkar, Hon?ble Minister of State for Housing Social Justice and Ports, Govt. of Maharastara. Apart from him other big persnalities like Mr. Arun K. Mago, Chairman ? Advisory Council, Port & Ship International India, Dr. Stephen Hesselmann, Head, Maritime Department, Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, Govt. of Germany, visited the show and shared that ?India is becoming economic ware house. It has many business opportunities as the maritime industry is booming at a very fast pace. The number of containers has increased by 44% from last year.?

IGR Singh, PTM, TM Commander, Indian Coast Guard in his speech said that ? Shipping is a global industry and its prospects are associated with the level of global economic and industrial activity time infrastructure for economic development of a country. India has committed to spend (U.S.) $100 billion over the next ten years on infrastructure projects, with (U.S.) $10 billion to be spent just on the shipbuilding and port sectors within the next five years. A turnaround has been observed in Indian ship building industry, which was totally domestic and defense oriented have become export oriented. Today out of around 190 ships on the order book 125 are for the exports. Another important development being witnessed is the involvement of the State maritime Board, who are now competing with the major ports by following land lord port model and corporatization. He finally said that in another 5-10 years, India is going to become the global refinery hub wherein the refinery capacity will be increased to 100 million tones per annum.

Apart from the Indian maritime industry many countries from Europe, North America and Asia are pouring technology, investment and manpower into India. Japan alone has committed 30 billion dollars to India’s infrastructure. Norway and South Korea are also heavily involved in shipbuilding, ship repair and other sectors. Holland, France, Germany and England are involved in port and terminal ventures. Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Dubai and Australia have made major investments and joint venture arrangements in India’s port, terminal operations, and shipbuilding sectors. Shipping lines in India and from around the globe are ramping up capacity to handle increased container and non-container shipments to and from India.

Michael Rosenberg, Vice President EJKraus said ?As I go around the world and meet the top managements of various companies, I hear a same story that India is the future. He said that as the Indian Economy is growing more and more need for Imports and exports is perceived and better equipment for handling and freight on the ports is the order of the day. He said PSI is going to serve as a platform to deliberate and to collaborate for the Indian and foreign companies. As India has to gain from the overseas technologies the overseas has to gain from the training methodology of the India Maritime Industry.?

Companies from all over the globe are opening offices in India, looking to bring technology, investment, products and services to India’s maritime sector. Others are looking to create joint ventures, locate distributors and capture market share.

Port & Ship International India 2008 (PSI) is an international exhibition and conference which would give a detailed insight on shipping and shipbuilding, ship technology, maintenance and repair, ocean engineering, marine offshore technology, port and terminal technology and equipment, and infrastructure expansion and modernization. PSI is the most comprehensive exhibition on India’s maritime industry, anticipating 3,000 to 4000 buyers from India and overseas.

The purpose of PSI is to open the doors for global opportunities for marine, shipping, shipbuilding, ports and logistics manufacturers and service providers. The exhibition is set to provide solutions to help the Indian maritime industry meet challenges and continue to become globally competitive by showcasing the latest innovations to end-users. The event will also facilitate interaction between international and Indian companies from the maritime and offshore sectors.

PSI has around 80 Exhibitors from around 10 countries, to name a few companies are ABB Limited, Shiping corporation of India, CNBM International Engineering Co. Ltd., Dalian Hairui International Trade Co. Ltd., Forbes & Company Limited, Foreign Owners Representatives and Ship Manager Association (FOSMA), Hamburg Messee & Congress GMBH, Port of Hamburg, Speedo Marine PTE Ltd, Indian Port Association, Port of Taranto, Shsnghai Jiuhe Ship Import & Export Co. Ltd., Speedo Marine PTE Ltd., Port Feeder Barge GMBH, Mecon Limited.