An online dredging monitoring system called Sagar Samriddhi has been launched by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal. It aims to expedite the Ministry’s ‘Waste to Wealth’ programme.
The National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways, and Coasts (NTCPWC), the technological division of MoPSW, developed the system. According to a press release, the technology offers significant enhancements compared to the previous Draft and Loading Monitor (DLM) system.
The system will foster synergy among multiple input reports, including the daily dredging report and the pre and post-dredging survey data. The inputs will be processed to generate real-time dredging reports, enabling a more efficient and streamlined monitoring process.
Additionally, the monitoring system allows the visualisation of daily and monthly progress and the monitoring of dredger performance and downtime. It facilitates the easy tracking of location data, providing snapshots of loading, unloading, and idle time. The system aligns with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) and Make in India initiatives.
Currently, the online dredging monitoring system has been adopted by Cochin Port and Mumbai Port. New Mangalore Port and Deendayal Port are running it on a trial basis. As a result, MoPSW has made it mandatory for all major ports and the Inland Waterways Authority of India )IWAI) to monitor dredging activities through this system. The system will be customised by NTCPWC. This mandate means that new dredgers will utilise the new system while existing dredgers will be upgraded and equipped with the new system to ensure uniform monitoring and improved efficiency.
During the event, Sonowal said that in this era of technical innovation, it is crucial to leverage technology for monitoring systems to minimise human errors. Now, major ports can bring about significant change in project implementation and lower the cost of dredging by using dredged materials. This will contribute to environmental sustainability and reduce operational expenses for the ports.
In 2021, the MoPSW issued the ‘Dredging Guidelines for Major Ports’, which provide a comprehensive framework for planning and preparation, technical investigations, dredged material management, and cost estimation. It allows major ports to formulate and execute dredging projects within the designated timelines.
This March, the Ministry issued an addendum to guidelines, focusing on the disposal of dredged material. It incorporates a provision in the bidding documents, which will reduce dredging costs through the concept of ‘Waste to Wealth.’ The addendum outlines the beneficial uses of dredged material, such as in engineering construction projects and environmental enhancement initiatives like beach nourishment. The intention is to lower the overall cost of dredging operations and maximise the value derived from the dredged material.
Currently, IWAI spends approximately IN 10 billion (US$ 121 million) each year on annual maintenance dredging, which amounts to around 100 million cubic metres. However, with the implementation of the Addendum to the Dredging Guidelines and Sagar Samriddhi, significant reductions in dredging costs can be achieved. It will also introduce enhanced transparency and efficiency to the overall system, resulting in improved cost-effectiveness and the optimal utilisation of resources.
The Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV) will develop a roadmap for projects that include dredging initiatives. It aims to enhance the capacity of Major Ports by deepening their channels and berths, transforming them into transhipment hubs wherever feasible. Consequently, there will be an increased demand for dredging in the coming decade, especially for deep draft ports with drafts exceeding 18 metres. The MIV recognises the need to address this growing dredging requirement to support the development and expansion of ports, ensuring they can accommodate larger vessels and facilitate efficient maritime trade operations.
