Latest news with #TKRamachandran
Hans India
13-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
MoPSW secretary visits Vizag port, unveils projects
Visakhapatnam: Secretary of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Government of India T K Ramachandran inaugurated the south-side Park of AOB, Visakhapatnam boardroom and Manthan hall. Visiting various areas of Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), the secretary of MoPSW reviewed the port operations and held a meeting with regard to proposal of setting up of Dugarajapatnam Port by the state government, utilisation of salt land and port-led industries at Mulapeta Port and also inaugurated dash board of e-measurement book and coffee table book of the port. Later, the secretary of MoPSW held an interactive meeting with the stakeholders/PPP operators. The Trade represented specific issues such as land lease for storage and recommendations. He instructed the stakeholders to consider relevant initiatives under the MIV 2030 and MAKV 2047 programmes. Further, visiting Dredging Corporation of India, Ramachandran stressed the need for the corporation to focus on strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity and competitiveness in the current market environment. Chairperson of Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) and chairman of DCIL M. Angamuthu briefed the secretary on the Corporation's ongoing strategic initiatives and its pivotal role in supporting maritime trade by ensuring navigability at major Indian ports. Managing director and CEO Durgesh Kumar Dubey provided an overview of the organisation's ongoing projects and financial performance. Also, the secretary of MoPSW visited Hindustan Shipyard Limited and Centre for Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding, reviewed training programmes on the job training imparted by the CEMS to the unemployed youth and lauded the efforts of the VPA for funding them for skill development. PSL Swami, Chief Vigilance Officer, T Venu Gopal, secretary, VPA, along with heads of departments and senior officers of the port were present.
Hindustan Times
10-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
India steps up maritime security after review
Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday reviewed security measures at ports as the country raised alertness to the so-called MARSEC-2 level to keep shipping lines protected and operational amid escalating tensions with Pakistan, an official said. The ports, shipping and waterways minister, who visited Mumbai during the day, met representatives from key state-run maritime organisations, including the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Ltd (IPRCL), Indian Port Global Ltd (IPGL), directorate general of shipping and the Mumbai Port Authority. 'The minister carried out an in-depth review of port security and assessed all ongoing infrastructure projects, and asked officials to ensure business as usual,' the official said, asking not to be named. The directorate-general of shipping has ordered all ports, terminals and shipyards to elevate maritime security measures to the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) level 2, also known as MARSEC-2, the official said. Enhanced protective measures are required not just for all functional ports but also for those under construction against all threats, the official said. Nearly 95% of India's trade and 80% of its crude oil supply is shipped through the oceans. 'This directive is issued in the national maritime security interests and must be treated with utmost urgency and priority,' the advisory issued by directorate-general of shipping said. Those who attended the review meeting included secretary, ports, TK Ramachandran. 'All Indian flagged vessels operating in and near to the India sub-continent and neighbouring countries are required to elevate the security Level to 2 and implement the applicable security measures as per Ship Security Plan (SSP),' a notification by the shipping regulator stated.
India Gazette
09-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Kolkata port ramps up security amid India-Pakistan tension
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], May 9 (ANI): Kolkata's Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port issued a directive to heighten its security on Friday, instructing all its personnel to stay alert and report any suspicious activity on port premises and waterways amid the escalating tension between India and Pakistan. 'In view of the security situation of the country, a high-level security review meeting was taken by TK Ramachandran, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Govt. of India through virtual mode, where Rathendra Raman, Chairman, SMP Kolkata, Samrat Rahi, Dy. Chairman, SMP Kolkata, Ruchi Anand, Sr Commandant, CISF and Heads of the Departments were present,' as per an official release from Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port. Following the discussions, as guided by the Secretary (Shipping), MoPS&W, Govt. of India, Rathendra Raman, Chairman of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, announced a series of robust security measures to safeguard critical infrastructure and to continue port operations 'As per directives from the Directorate General of Shipping, SMPK has raised its security level to 2. All personnel have been instructed to remain alert and surveillant, ensuring that any suspicious activity within port premises and waterways should immediately be brought to the notice of security personnel without delay,' the release read. To ensure full operational readiness, all leave of employees, (including contractual staff) stand canceled from 10th May to 14th May. Additionally employees are required to remain at headquarters, even during the days of weekly off. Pilots and dock ilots will be on high alert and ready for emergency evacuation from KDS and HDC, if necessary. 'On the digital front, cybersecurity measures will be enhanced, for which a detailed circular would follow. The CISO of SMPK has been instructed to implement strict protocols to thwart cyber threats,' the release stated. Regular security drills will be carried out with all stakeholders, ensuring preparedness for any contingency. In the event of planned or unplanned blackouts, port operations will be suspended to mitigate risks. 'Furthermore, CISF and PSO personnel have been advised to enforce strict access control, permitting entry only to individuals with valid Dock Entry Permits or Photo ID cards,' the release read. Reflecting on the fortified measures, Secretary Raman asserted, 'At Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, the safety and security of our men, property & vessels is of utmost priority. Given the current national security situation, it is our collective responsibility to stay vigilant and prepared. We have elevated our security protocols in line with the directives of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the DG Shipping to ensure that our port remains a secure gateway for maritime trade.' (ANI)
News18
09-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Operation Sindoor: Kolkata Port Enhances Security Amid National Alert
Last Updated: Chaired by Rathendra Raman, Chairman of SMPK, the meeting included key officials, including CISF and departmental heads Amid the India-Pakistan tension, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPS&W), has escalated its security protocols following a high-level virtual meeting chaired by TK Ramachandran, Secretary, MoPS&W. Chaired by Rathendra Raman, Chairman of SMPK, the meeting included key officials, including CISF and departmental heads. The key measures announced include: Security Level Raised to 2: Increased vigilance across port premises and waterways, with strict reporting of any suspicious activity. Staff Availability: Leave for all employees, including contractual staff, stands cancelled from May 10-14, 2025. All must remain at headquarters, including on weekly offs. Cybersecurity Reinforcement: Enhanced protocols under CISO's guidance, with detailed instructions to follow. Emergency Preparedness: Regular drills to be conducted; port operations will cease during blackouts. Access Control: Only valid permit or ID holders will be allowed entry, with strict enforcement by CISF and PSO. Chairman Raman emphasised SMPK's commitment to safety and operational continuity, aligning with directives from MoPS&W and DG Shipping. SMPK remains dedicated to maintaining secure port operations during this heightened alert, he said. Amid the escalating tension between India and Pakistan, New Delhi has banned Pakistan-flag merchant vessels at Indian ports. The order also mentions that Indian ships too will not be allowed to go to any port in the neighbouring country. 'This order is issued to ensure safety of Indian assets, cargo and connected infrastructure, in public interest and for interest of Indian shipping," the Directorate General of Shipping said, adding that the order shall come into force with immediate effect and remain in force till further order. The ministry of ports, shipping and waterways stated that the impositions have been placed under Section 411 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. First Published: May 09, 2025, 20:02 IST
New Indian Express
08-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
India's first green shipping route to go live in six months
CHENNAI: India is poised to launch its first domestic coastal green shipping corridor in its bid to decarbonise maritime logistics. The strategic route, connecting Kandla on the west coast with Thoothukudi (V O Chidambaranar Port) in the south, is expected to be operational within the next three to six months, according to the Union Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways T K Ramachandran. The corridor is being jointly developed by the V O Chidambaranar Port Authority and the Deendayal Port Authority in Kandla, in partnership with the state-run Shipping Corporation of India. Senior officials, including Susanta Kumar Purohit and Sushil Kumar Singh — chairpersons of the two participating port authorities — met on Monday to refine the operational framework, a VOC Port spokesperson said. 'We are targeting the port's commencement within the next three to six months,' Ramachandran said. Plans are also under way to extend the model to international routes. Authorities are considering potential links between Kandla and a European or western port, as well as a second international corridor connecting Singapore to India, most likely via the VOC Port. At the core of the corridor's design is a push to ensure the availability of green fuels. Ports along the route are expected to produce, store, and distribute fuels such as methanol, which will be used to power at least two retrofitted vessels operated by the Shipping Corporation of India. These vessels will ply the Kandla-Thoothukudi route as early testbeds for clean shipping technologies, said Ramachandran. Interestingly, the VOC Port is the first port to produce green hydrogen at a small scale while the Kandla port is planning to produce 1 MW of green hydrogen by March next year. Sources said Monday's discussion on focused on deploying container ships capable of running on green methanol, developing bunkering infrastructure, and assessing cargo volumes and route economics.
