Shipping Secretary T.K. Ramachandran announced that an improved Model Concession Agreement (MCA) for Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) projects in the ports, shipping, and waterways will be issued soon. The new agreement will incorporate suggestions from various stakeholders and could be used for the ₹7,000 crore outer harbor projects at the VOC Port in Thoothukudi, which had its bid canceled twice due to poor response. The MCA will lay down standard terms for risk allocation, liabilities, and service quality.
Ramachandran also stated that a new tariff regime is being introduced to create a “level playing field” after the abolition of the Tariff Authority for Major Ports (TAMP). He also highlighted the upcoming India Maritime Week 2025, which is expected to attract over one lakh delegates from 100 countries and generate more than ₹10 lakh crore in investment opportunities. Other developments mentioned include a new green ammonia plant at the VOC Port and the Indian Ports Association (IPA) exploring new cruise destinations in Tamil Nadu and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.