Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH, Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, on Thursday launched two digital modules within the Sagar Setu (NLP-Marine) platform. These pioneering modules, namely the Maritime Single Window (MSW) and the Mercantile Maritime Department (MMD), were inaugurated in the esteemed presence of Mr Shripad Y. Naik, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and senior officials from the Ministry.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Sonowal said, “As per the vision of our dynamic Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways has embarked upon a journey to transform and modernise our ports, making them future-ready. With the launch of the Maritime Single Window (MSW) module of Sagar Setu (NLP-Marine), MoPSW aligns with global standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The implementation of the MSW system through Sagar Setu (NLP-M) adheres to the processes mandated by the FAL Convention of International Maritime Organization (IMO), promoting harmonisation and standardisation of processes set by the IMO. This stands as an example of our commitment to international compliance and efficiency”.
“The launch of the MMD and MSW modules of Sagar Setu (NLP-Marine) is not just a technological advancement; it is a commitment to shaping the future of India’s maritime sector with digitisation of processes,” he added.
Maritime Single Window
The Maritime Single Window (MSW) module in Sagar Setu (NLP-M) is a cutting-edge digital platform designed to revolutionise the exchange of maritime-related information and documents, emphasising harmonisation and standardisation for efficient data submission. This innovative system facilitates electronic submission, processing and communication between government authorities, port operators, shipping agents, trade associations and other stakeholders involved in international maritime trade. The MSW module has undergone successful testing with officials from the Directorate General of Shipping, along with active participation from Shipping Agents, Trade Associations and Port Officials of all Major Ports.
This innovative system will eliminate the reliance on paper-based and manual processes, ushering in an era of Zero Paper Process. MSW facilitates the online submission of documents related to the Arrival, Stay and Departure of Ships, allowing for swift approval by various authorities, including Ports, Immigration, and Customs. The impact of this transition is profound, with the waiting time for vessels and goods in ports to be reduced by up to 40%. This will contribute substantially to faster turnaround times for vessels, achieved through an expedited online submission and approval process.
Mercantile Marine Department module
The Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) module within Sagar Setu’s NLP (M) encompasses two core functionalities in the Maritime Mobile Domain process. Firstly, the Vessel Detention function allows MMD officials to efficiently monitor the status of ships at ports, facilitating the planning of vessel inspections. This module empowers officials to update inspection reports and statuses, with the capability to designate a vessel as “Detained” in cases of identified discrepancies. Notifications of vessel detentions are then promptly communicated to relevant authorities such as Ports, Customs and Immigration, guiding their actions based on real-time vessel statuses before allowing ships to sail from the port.
Secondly, the Vessel Release functionality comes into play after a re-inspection process. MMD officials use this feature to update the release status of the vessel, signalling its readiness to depart the port. Similar to the detention process, notifications of vessel releases are sent to Ports, Customs and Immigration. These authorities then take appropriate actions, ensuring that ships are allowed to sail based on the current real-time status of the vessel. The comprehensive capabilities of the MMD module in Sagar Setu streamline vessel monitoring, inspection and release processes, enhancing efficiency and coordination in maritime operations.
The Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) in India is a government body under the Directorate General of Shipping of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Launched in April 2023, the ‘Sagar Setu’ mobile app, an extension of NLP-Marine, offers real-time information on vessels, gate details, container freight stations, and transactions. It streamlines import and export clearances by enabling digital payments for associated charges like shipping fees, transportation costs and container freight station fees, highlighted a release.
Source: Exim News Service: New Delhi, Feb. 1