Aims to make AP as India’s Maritime Gateway by 2030

The state government of Andhra Pradesh has approved and adopted a new maritime policy 2024. The Maritime Policy envisions an integrated holistic approach, covering port development, port-led industrialisation, shipbuilding clusters, logistics infrastructure, maritime services and skills development with environmental sustainability.

The policy lays down the principles for achieving the Maritime Vision of the state; “Empowering a prosperous maritime future of Andhra Pradesh, where sustainable maritime infrastructure growth, coastal development, and efficient logistics unite to drive competitiveness and economic growth by leveraging its long coastline, locational and natural advantage.

In addition, the policy sets out a comprehensive framework with 4 pillars aimed at driving growth and sustainability in the maritime sector.

This includes Ports & Terminal Development, Port Proximal Area Development, Shipyard & Cluster Development, Allied Maritime Activities.

Andhra Pradesh currently has one major port in Visakhapatnam and five operational non-major ports which play a pivotal role in India’s maritime sector.

AP’s Non-major Ports ranked second in EXIM cargo which handled 117.62 MMTPA during FY23, with 66% utilization.

The State is also establishing four new Greenfield ports at Mulapeta, Kakinada Gateway, Machilipatnam & Ramayapatnam to ensure comprehensive realization of coastal hinterland potential.

In fact Andhra Pradesh is the only state with three industrial corridors i.e. Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC), Chennai-Bangalore Industrial Corridor (CBIC), and Hyderabad-Bangalore Industrial Corridor (HBIC).

The policy stated that a Mega Port will be established under GoAP that will act as a central hub for cargo movement to/from the hinterland and as a major EXIM Trade Centre.

The Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board will be the Nodal agency for the implementation of Andhra Pradesh Maritime Policy 2024.