ASIC Appeals to Bengal CM for Maritime Sector Revival

The Association of Shipping Interests in Calcutta (ASIC) has submitted a comprehensive memorandum to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, outlining nine strategic priorities to strengthen the state’s shipping and maritime infrastructure.

Key Proposals

The memorandum, dated May 15, 2026, and signed by ASIC President Ash Janakiram, presents a roadmap for transforming West Bengal into a leading maritime and logistics hub leveraging its strategic position as the gateway to Eastern and North-Eastern India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.

Maritime Governance

ASIC has proposed establishing a dedicated West Bengal Maritime Board comprising representation from ports, shipping stakeholders, customs authorities, inland waterways agencies, chambers of commerce, and government departments. The body would facilitate integrated maritime policy formulation, enhanced stakeholder coordination, port-led industrial development, and improved ease of doing business.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

The association has called for sustainable river channel maintenance and scientific dredging strategies for the Kolkata-Haldia port systems to ensure consistent navigable draft levels. ASIC also seeks accelerated multimodal connectivity development, including dedicated freight corridor integration, improved road infrastructure to ports, strengthened inland waterways, and enhanced last-mile logistics.

Industrial Development

The memorandum recommends promoting port-based industrial clusters, multi-modal logistics parks, warehousing infrastructure, and maritime-focused investment initiatives. ASIC has requested prioritization of new and expanded port infrastructure with deep-draft capabilities to attract larger vessels and increase cargo volumes.

Sustainability and Skills

Aligning with global trends, ASIC suggests supporting green shipping corridors, alternative fuel infrastructure, shore power facilities, and environmentally sustainable port operations. The association has also requested initiatives for maritime skill development and industry-linked training programs to build a future-ready workforce.

Board Representation

ASIC has formally requested representation on the Board of Trustees of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Kolkata, citing its role as a key representative body of the maritime sector in Eastern India that can provide valuable industry insights for effective decision-making and port development.

Background

Established in 1971, ASIC represents shipping companies, agents, wholly-owned subsidiaries of foreign shipping lines, and the Shipping Corporation of India across Eastern India. For over five decades, the organization has submitted policy inputs to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, CBEC, TAMP, and parliamentary committees on transportation.

The memorandum was also copied to Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of State Shantanu Thakur, and MoPSW Secretary Vijay Kumar.