Ports And Shipping Ministry Issues Draft Guidelines For Operationalisation Of Ro-Ro And Ro-Pax Ferry Service

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), today (16 June) invited suggestions on the draft Guidelines for Operationalisation of Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax ferry service along the coast of India from all stakeholders.

The comments/feedback may be provided as per the format within 21 days from the date of publication of the guidelines.

Ro-Ro/Ro-Pax

Ro-Ro is an acronym for Roll-on/roll-off. Roll-on/roll-off ships are vessels that are used to carry wheeled cargo such as cars, trucks, semi-trailer trucks, trailers and railroad cars that are driven on and off the ship on their wheels or using a platform vehicle. It also comprises jetties, with related port terminals and approach connectivity infrastructure.

On the other hand, Ro-Pax is the acronym of Roll on/Roll off passenger ferry and works as a freight vehicle transport with passenger accommodation.

While passenger jetties are used solely to ferry passengers, Ro-Ro jetties have built-in or have shore-based ramps that allow the cargo to be efficiently rolled on and off the vessel when in port.

This mode of transportation has multiple benefits including reduced travel time, reduced logistics cost and lower pollution in comparison to conventional mode of transportation.

Pilot Projects

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has embarked on developing an ecosystem for promotion of Ro-Ro ferry and waterway transportation in the country.

In view of the immense potential and distinct advantages of ferry service, the Ministry is financially supporting 45 projects with a total project cost of Rs 1900 crore. Under its Sagarmala Programme, the Ministry has operationalised Ro-Pax Ferry service between Ghogha-Hazira in Gujarat and Mumbai-Mandwa in Maharashtra.

These services have transported more than 7 lakh passengers and 1.5 lakh vehicles, contributing towards a clean environment and public welfare.

In view of the success of these projects and high demand and potential, additional projects are planned at Pipavav and Muldwarka in Gujarat and Ghodbunder, Veldur, Vasai, Kashid, Rewas, Manori and JN Port etc. in Maharashtra. In addition to above, the Ministry is supporting 4 projects in Andhra Pradesh, 2 projects in Odisha and 1 each in Tamil Nadu and Goa.

Guidelines

The guidelines encompass the two aspects of ferry operation namely; concessions for terminal operation and license for operation of Ro-Pax vessels.

According to the guideline, the Ro-Ro/Ro-Pax terminals would be developed and operated at major ports and non-major ports through private participation and the concession is to be awarded by the Concessioning Authority by taking into consideration the directions laid down under Section ‘A’ of the draft.

Similarly, Ro-Ro/Ro-Pax ferry service would be operated through private participation between the given Origin-Destination (O-D) pairs and the route license is to be given to licensee taking into consideration Section B.

These guidelines will homogenise and streamline the development and operations of ferry services, along with, promoting ease of doing business by eliminating unnecessary delays, disagreements and introducing digital interventions at customer interface. They will also help State/UT Governments and Port Authorities in implementation of such projects by standardisation of procedures.

Further, it will help in instilling confidence among the private players thereby increasing their participation and promoting healthy competition in such projects.

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