VASCO: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has issued guidelines for floating structures, with a vision to set up world-class floating infrastructure all along the coastline in the upcoming projects.
In a press release, the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) has stated that the guidelines sets out various technical aspects for implementation of Floating Jetties/Platforms for Marinas, Minor Harbours, Fishing Harbours/Fish landing centres, Waterdromes and other similar facilities in coastal areas, estuaries, waterways, rivers and reservoirs.
“These guidelines may also be suitably utilised for floating pontoons/platforms in various waterborne systems and floating wave attenuators (or breakwaters) for Minor Harbours/Fish Landing facilities,” the release said.
The benefits of floating jetties/structures over the conventional quay and fixed concrete structures include its cost-effectiveness, faster implementation, easily expandable and re-locatable; and having minimal environmental impacts.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has successfully implemented a few projects, including setting up of passenger floating jetties in Goa, water-aerodromes at Sabarmati River and at Sardar Sarovar Dam (for the seaplane services) which are working satisfactorily. Several projects of the Ministry are under the planning stage for overall development and upliftment of the coastal community, it added.
Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (I/C) Mansukh Mandaviya stated that “the Ministry has set a benchmark and evolved standard specifications in these guidelines at par with international standards. These platforms have several advantages over the conventional/fixed concrete structures. It is the endeavour of our Ministry to promote laying up of such world class infrastructure across the country…”
