Progress Made in India’s First Maritime Cluster in Verna, Goa

The Konkan Maritime Cluster in Verna, which aims to boost the shipping and shipbuilding industry in Goa, has finally started making progress in the new year. The government has floated tenders for the supply of machinery and infrastructure works for the project, which is India’s first maritime cluster. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has stated that the cluster is expected to generate at least 3,000 jobs and is set to be fully commissioned by the end of the year.

The project, which has been delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the recession in the maritime sector, has seen six tenders valued at around 13 crore rupees being floated for the purchase of machinery, a painting booth, an industrial waste disposal plant, equipment testing facility, and other related services. The project is being implemented by the Khadi and Village Industries Board, Goa, with the Directorate of Industries, Trade & Commerce as the nodal agency.

Local MSMEs, who are members of the special purpose vehicle for the project, have faced difficulties contributing towards the share capital due to the economic slowdown. However, the construction of the work-shed by the MSME members is nearly complete, and the first phase of the project is expected to be completed by April this year. The cluster facilities are for the design and manufacture of ships and other marine vessels, and it is expected to have around 110 members once completed.

Source .