Minister highlights benefits of ‘One Nation One Port Process’ initiative
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has launched ‘One Nation One Port Process (ONOP)’ initiative which focuses on mapping and standardising port processes and documentation. This involves conducting a comprehensive review of the existing procedures and documents exchanged within the port value chain across all Major Ports, which cover various cargo types, including containers, dry bulk and liquid bulk, as well as different movement categories such as export-import, transhipment and coastal operations. The implementation of ONOP initiative will reduce the processing time of documentation which will lead to reduction in logistics cost, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
The Ministry has prioritised the digitisation and automation of port processes and documentation through the National Logistics Portal – Marine (NLP-Marine) which also integrates the Enterprise Business System (EBS) as the port operating system.
A review was conducted to assess the implementation of ONOP initiatives at Major Ports, which showed substantial improvement in port process documentation.
The Ministry has taken various steps to enhance efficiency and competitiveness of ports in the maritime sector, which include development of new ports, terminals and berths, modernisation, mechanisation, digitalisation, development of connectivity infrastructure for road and rail etc. Further, “Sagar Aankalan” guidelines have been launched for enhancing efficiency and competitiveness of Indian ports in the global maritime sector, the Minister added.
Source: Exim News Service: New Delhi, March 31