Kerala's First Maritime Cluster to Be Established in Cherthala, Announces Minister Rajeev

Kerala is on the verge of setting up its inaugural maritime cluster in Cherthala, located in the coastal Alappuzha district. Industries Minister P Rajeev revealed plans to establish a testing lab for allied equipment in collaboration with private players as part of this initiative.

The government has identified a 15-acre plot for the cluster, which aims to serve as a thriving business ecosystem to bolster shipping enterprises. Rajeev emphasized that the cluster will be equipped with essential infrastructure and facilities, catering particularly to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the maritime sector. This move comes amid Cochin Shipyard's ambitious project slated for the next five years.

The Minister's announcement follows the state government's decision to include the maritime sector among the 22 priority sectors in Kerala's 2023 Industrial Policy. This strategic move was prompted by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's visit to Norway in October 2022, where he identified the potential for growth in maritime-related industries.

Rajeev engaged with various stakeholders in the maritime sector, who highlighted the absence of a systematic testing mechanism for maritime machinery in Kerala. They pledged their cooperation and partnership in establishing such a lab, to which Rajeev assured government support.

In preparation for setting up the testing facility, a high-powered panel led by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) will conduct studies in Bengaluru and Visakhapatnam. Additionally, the Department of Industries will collaborate with the Shipyard and Maritime University in the state.

The government also plans to initiate short-term courses to enhance the skills of engineers and financiers for the maritime sector. Discussions will be held with the Additional Skills Acquisition Programme (ASAP) and the KSIDC's Scaleup project to facilitate funding.

S Harikishore, Industries Director and Managing Director of KSIDC, affirmed the state department's significant focus on the maritime sector, signaling a concerted effort to drive growth and development in this promising industry.

HBL