The Hindu Business Line : `Shipyards must have proper marketing strategy to tap global orders'

CONSIDERING the scope for maritime affairs in the country in the coming years, the Union Shipping Secretary, Mr D.T. Joseph, has called upon the shipyards to conduct proper marketing strategies to bag more global orders.

He complained that Indian yards and ports are not doing any proper marketing initiatives though there are several innovative ways to market in the rest of the world. World yards are full now and there should be a proper marketing strategy to garner more orders for shipbuilding, he said while delivering the keynote address in connection with the commencement of the fabrication work for the first 30,000 DWT bulk carrier at the Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) here.

He pointed out that the Indian yards are not productive compared to foreign yards and not utilising the potential fully. A Korean yard can deliver a vessel in four months whereas in India, it would take at least four years.

He said that of the 530 ships in India, only 11 per cent were built here and 89 per cent of the ships owned by domestic companies were built abroad. Likewise, 85 per cent of the export/import trade are brought in and out by foreign ships, he added.

Referring to the order clinched by the Cochin Shipyard from the world renowned Clipper Group, the Shipping Secretary said that the `tide is changing in the global shipping scene' and the Indian yards should exploit the opportunity to clinch more orders.

Speaking on the occasion, Cmde M.K. Murthy, Chairman and Managing Director, said that the CSL has secured these orders against stiff competition in price and delivery schedules. Besides, securing over Rs 500 crore worth of export shipbuilding orders last year, the yard has also been able to achieve a record ship repair turnover of Rs 180 crore. The contract executed in January 22 was initially for construction of four firm and four optional bulk carriers for Clipper. This was later increased to six firm and two optional, he added.

He also appealed the Shipping Secretary to give special treatment for CSL in taxation purpose in order to remain floating in the changed global shipping scenario.