PPP Model Key to Foster Skilled Workforce in Maritime Sector: Minister

KOCHI:
As the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model is effective for the progress of the state’s maritime sector, going by the experience of the Vizhinjam port, it will be considered for Kollam, Beypore and Azheekal ports in future, Kerala Minister for Cooperation, Ports and Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan said today.

He was speaking at the inauguration of Kerala Maritime Education Conference (KMEC 2024), organised by Kerala Maritime Board (KMB) at Bolgatty Palace and Island Resort here.

Highlighting that the Public Private Partnership has a vital role in creating skilled professionals in the maritime sector, he said discussions are being held on how to step up the activities of maritime institutes in Kerala through the PPP model.

Vasavan said efforts are on to give a facelift to the activities in Kerala Maritime Institutes (KMIs) located at Neendakara, Kollam and Kodugallur in Thrissur through the PPP model as there is a huge demand for skilled workforce in the sector.

The event, which was attended by K.S. Srinivas, Principal Secretary (Fisheries & Ports Department), brought together experts, educators, industry leaders and senior bureaucrats to chart the future of education and innovation in shipping and allied sectors.

Noting that the commissioning of Vizhinjam Port is on cards this month, he informed that around 67 ships anchored at the port during the trial phase.

“Kerala was selected as the Best Marine State in the country by the Central Government. There are 17 non-major ports under KMB and if we develop them by leveraging the 590-km coastal area of the state, it will contribute significantly to the economy,” he observed.

The minister said the KMEC 2024 event will discuss how to harness the activities of KMB for contributing to the state’s efforts towards becoming a knowledge economy.

On the occasion, Vasavan unveiled the new logo and video of KMI as part of transforming it into a centre of excellence in the maritime sector.

In his keynote address, K.S. Srinivas said Vizhinjam and Kochi ports are going toplay a major role in the maritime sector of the country. The KMIs to offer a sea of opportunities, including specialised courses in port operations, ship handling, customs, logistics, marine safety and ship building, he pointed out.

“In allied sectors like maritime technology, we should foster a highly skilled workforce which is the aim of the state government. The plan is to elevate Neendakara institute as a centre of excellence and convert it to a marine university in future,” he added.

Shyam Jagannathan, Director General, Shipping, Govt. of India, said India is one of the top five contributors to global seafarers pool.

“The Maritime India Vision 2030 document intends to increase our presence from the current 12.5 percent of seafarers to 20 percent of the global pool. Of every five seafarers on-board merchant vessel, one will be an Indian seafarer. So we need to equip seafarers with the right skill set,” he added.

He said Kerala’s PPP model at Neendakara and Kodungallur will ensure technology-centric education and offer all the facilities needed for quality maritime education.

N S Pillai, Chairman, KMB, welcomed the gathering. B. Kasiviswanathan IRSME, Chairperson, Cochin Port Authority; R Girija, MD, KSINC; and Shine A Haq, CEO, KMB, were also present.

The KMEC 2024 provided a platform for thought leaders, top educators, industry experts and government officials to discuss collaborationsin port, shipping and related sectors as also the shape of the future of maritime education and its interdependent branches.

The conference featured panel discussions and keynote speechespromoting innovative ideas that can enhance training and research in the field.

The event also saw keynote addresses by experts such as World Maritime University Executive Board Member Sanjam Sahi Gupta; Gujarat Maritime University Vice Chancellor Dr S. Shanthakumar; Adani Vizhinjam Port CEO Pradeep Jayaraman and Praveen Thomas Joseph, CEO, ICTT-Port Terminal, Vallarpadam, DP World, among others.

The discussions covered topics such as key challenges, trends, and the future of maritime education. Key people from institutions like Cochin University of Science and Technology, DP World, Vizhinjam International Seaport, Indian Maritime University, AMET University, Additional Skill Acquisition Programme, and Kerala Academy for Skills Excellence attended.

KMB was formed in 2017 with the aim of fostering a direct role in shaping the future of maritime training in Kerala.