The Maritime Public Private Partnership Conclave 2022 – an effort by Chennai Port, Kamarajar Port and V. O. Chidambaranar Port – was held in Chennai on 21st and 22nd July 2022 to commemorate 25 years of Public Private partnership (PPP) in the development of major port sector. The very first agreement between the concessioning authority and concessionaire on PPP mode completed its 25 years of success in July 2022. FICCI was the organising partner for the event.
Government of India introduced private sector participation in Major Ports to infuse funds, induct latest technology, improve management practices and for addition of capacity and enhancement of functional efficiency. Public- PrivatePartnership (PPP), mode of development was introduced in the Indian port sector in mid 1990s along with other infrastructure sectors.
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority entered into the first agreement with the private player, viz, Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal (NSICT) in July 1997 making it the first Port Terminal to be developed on PPP basis. Since then, PPP mode has become the preferred mode of Infrastructure Development in Major Ports accounting for nearly 90% of the new investment in Berth /Terminal infrastructure.
The Maritime PPP Conclave provides a forum for the stakeholders from different facets of EXIM Trade to come together, interact and share their knowledge and experiences. This knowledge sharing platform enables them to share the best practices, present trends, challenges and future opportunities ahead. It is expected that such interactions through PPP Conclave will further encourage Public Private Partnerships in Port Industry and lead to the development of state of the art infrastructure in the port and drastically improve the logistics efficiency parameters.
During the inauguration ceremony of the Maritime PPP Conclave, Shri. S Krishnan IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (Industries), GoTN was the Chief Guest and Shri Muruganandam IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance), GoTN was the Guest of Honour.
Shri T. K. Ramachandran IAS, Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port, Shri Sunil Paliwal IAS, Chairperson, Chennai Port and CMD Kamarajar Port, Shri. S Balaji Arunkumar IRTS, Deputy Chairperson, Chennai Port, Shri. Sanjay Kumar, GM(CS&BD), Kamarajar Port, other senior officers of the 3 major ports and the stakeholders of the EXIM trade participated in the event enthusiastically.
The Conclave included discussions on various topics like development of world class ports, India as a transshipment hub, reduction of port tariffs, state maritime development plans, port mechanisation etc.
