Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government has approved a comprehensive suite of six maritime policies and regulatory frameworks aimed at modernizing the state’s port operations, improving vessel safety, and attracting investment into the maritime sector. The Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) will soon roll out these policies, which cover shipbuilding, land governance, inland vessels, and coastal management.
Shipbuilding and Repair Policy to Attract Investments
A key component of the policy package is the dedicated Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Policy. This initiative is expected to draw investments into new shipyards, dry docks, fabrication units, and marine component manufacturing. The policy reinforces Gujarat’s ambition to strengthen its position as a major maritime hub in India, creating new employment opportunities and promoting technological advancement in the sector.
Unified Land Management and Land-Reclamation Framework
The consolidated land-management rules aim to simplify governance by merging multiple earlier circulars into a single, coherent regulation covering all land acquired, held, or administered by GMB. Alongside this, the land-reclamation policy provides a structured approach for regulating, leasing, and managing reclaimed coastal areas—a growing segment as port capacity expands across the state. These measures are expected to streamline investment processes and improve operational efficiency.
Enhanced Vessel Monitoring and Safety Regulations
The policy package also includes new rules for operating a Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) in the strategically important Gulf of Khambhat. The VTMS framework specifies operational responsibilities, maintenance protocols, and manpower standards to ensure safe and efficient vessel monitoring in the region.
Inland Vessel Regulations for Different Classes
Two separate rulebooks under the Gujarat Inland Vessels Act will govern Category A/B vessels and Category C vessels, including pleasure crafts under 10 metres. These regulations cover vessel registration, surveys, certification, detention, and pollution prevention. By harmonizing state practices with national standards while addressing Gujarat-specific operational needs, the rules aim to enhance safety and regulatory clarity for inland and coastal vessels.
Policy Goals: Safety, Investment, and Growth
Together, the six maritime policies reflect Gujarat’s commitment to improving port efficiency, ensuring safety for vessels, and attracting fresh investments into shipbuilding, repairs, and marine infrastructure. Officials say the framework is expected to bring clarity for operators, stimulate economic growth, and further strengthen Gujarat’s position as a leading maritime and logistics hub in India.
