Amaravati: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday emphasized transforming Andhra Pradesh into a global maritime hub by leveraging its 1,053 km-long coastline, the longest in India. Chairing a review meeting, he directed officials to draft a comprehensive maritime policy focusing on sustainable development, infrastructure creation, and economic growth.
Outlining his vision, Chandrababu Naidu stated that Andhra Pradesh aims to become a world-class maritime state by developing ports, shipbuilding clusters, and associated maritime activities. He urged officials to adopt innovative methods, such as the hub-and-spoke model for high-capacity port development, and integrate the state’s three industrial corridors for enhanced connectivity.
The Chief Minister proposed encouraging the P-4 model (People-Public-Private-Partnership) for port and harbor development, attracting global companies to establish shipbuilding and repair units. He also stressed integrating tourism and green energy initiatives into maritime projects and establishing a maritime university to upskill youth in collaboration with institutions like the Indian Maritime University and IITs.
Officials informed Naidu that Andhra Pradesh ranks second in non-major ports and achieved a 32% growth in seafood exports last year. The state currently operates one major port, five non-major ports, and is constructing four greenfield ports.
