TECS to help draft maritime policy

Indian National Shipowners' Association (INSA) has roped in Tata Economic Consultancy Services (TECS) for assistance in preparing the draft offshore maritime policy, which is likely to be ready by early next month.

"The draft maritime policy would be the first of its kind in the world as there is no model prevailing for offshore maritime policy. This will be a unique one where TECS will need to set up its own premises for research," an INSA official said here.

He said no studies or reasearch had been conducted to assess the strength of the offshore fleet, which included tugs, barges, supply vessels, platform and support vessels. "Offshore activities are gaining prominence and more shipping entities are entering this field.

Unfortunately, no formal studies have been made in this area. This would be a special one as TECS has to deal minutely without any backing of a model," he added.

Earlier, the ministry of shipping had set up a working group to draft an offshore maritime policy and INSA was advised to prepare the rough draft of the policy.

The consultancy outfit would hand over the report to INSA, which is also a part of working group set up by the shipping ministry, to finalise the draft policy.