Kerala govt views ocean economy as key driver of growth, says CM

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala aims to transform itself into a major maritime hub by integrating its ports and shifting a significant share of cargo movement from roads to sea routes as part of its long-term development strategy, said chief minister V D Satheesan.In an article marking World Oceans Day, the CM said the state govt views the ocean economy as a key driver of growth, employment and sustainable development in new Kerala. He said Kerala with nearly 600km of coastline, two international ports, one container terminal and 17 intermediate ports, has immense potential to emerge as a major maritime gateway.The govt plans to integrate the port network and gradually shift at least 50% of cargo transportation currently handled by roads to sea routes.

In the next phases the focus will be on cruise shipping and tourism projects linked with inland waterways. The CM said the transformation of Kerala into a port city could generate lakhs of jobs and open up new economic opportunities.He noted that oceans play a crucial role in climate regulation biodiversity conservation food security and global economic activity. More than three billion people across the world depend on oceans for their livelihoods, the CM said.

The theme of this year’s World Oceans Day is ‘Sustaining What Sustains Us’. The observance focuses on ocean conservation, climate resilience, sustainable ocean economies, marine biodiversity and ocean-based solutions for sustainable development. Satheesan said the global maritime sector is increasingly focusing on green ports, smart shipping, offshore renewable energy, marine monitoring technologies, blue carbon initiatives and sustainable aquaculture.

Kerala, he said, is well placed to benefit from these emerging opportunities due to its strategic location, rich marine resources, shipping links, tourism potential and inland water transport network.He described Kerala as India’s maritime gateway and pointed to assets such as Vizhinjam International Seaport, Cochin Port, Cochin Shipyard Ltd, several fishing harbours, three national waterways and globally known coastal and backwater tourism destinations.

He said Vizhinjam has the potential to become a model sustainable port development project in south Asia and can handle some of the world’s largest vessels.The CM said Kerala should strengthen sectors such as sustainable fisheries, aquaculture marine biotechnology, renewable ocean energy, logistics, shipbuilding, coastal tourism maritime clusters, export processing zones, warehousing, green ports, clean fuels cruise tourism, maritime heritage tourism, research institutions and skill development centres.At the same time, he cautioned that marine pollution, climate change, coastal erosion and plastic waste continue to pose serious threats to marine ecosystems and coastal economies. Addressing these challenges is essential for ensuring sustainable ocean development and responsible maritime governance, the CM added.