After 80 years of driving global economic growth and peace, international trade is now facing multiple challenges. The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted supply chains, and high fuel prices caused by the Russia-Ukraine war have made transportation costs unmanageable for many businesses. The war has also affected international grain trading. The recent crisis in Sri Lanka is linked to the war as well. Tensions between China and Taiwan have grown, leading some to fear that globalization is going into reverse—a trend supported by all previous challenges. Furthermore, decisions about how to respond to anthropomorphic climate change will influence the following: which fuel is chosen, where it is sourced from, and even more pressure for shorter supply chains.It is impossible to predict how international trade will be reshaped as technological and economic forces push and pull on the strategies of shipowners, ports, and logistics companies. Economic commentators have been talking about inflation, recession,[...]

Delays are encountered in a large number of projects. Schedulers and Project managers need to identify /analyse and implement appropriate corrective steps including actions to prevent such delays from re occurring. The reasons for delays are often due to, improper/insufficient planning, lack of competence/experience of some of the participants, changes in techno commercial terms, delays in permits and Force Majeure. However, in current market situation, the objectives of delay analysis has shifted to allocate the delay damages to the participants.Since there are so many stakeholders involved in construction projects, such as owners, consultants, and government agencies, a clear understanding of the project scope split and an agreed-upon integrated time schedule is essential. The duration of any project has a direct impact on the financial results of all stakeholders and hence delays need to be analysed for granting of extension of time and levying of damages on parties causing such delays. Government[...]

1. Expert Explains Why There Are No Bridges Across The Amazon RiverAn expert has revealed why there are no bridges over the 4,000-mile long Amazon river, which runs through multiple different countries.Unlike some small, lazy rivers where a few big stones are enough to allow a person to get across, the Amazon river is not one you can conquer without a bit of help.The world's second-longest river, the width of the Amazon averages between two to six miles depending on the area, and can even reach up to 30 miles wide during rainier periods. Source: Unilad2. Icebergs and fog: These unconventional sources can help beat global water scarcityAir, continental shelves and even cargo ships contain millions of cubic kilometres of water that can help reduce shortage of water across the world for drinking, sanitation, agriculture and economic development, new book has claimed.Unconventional Water Resources — compiled by experts at the United[...]

1. Cruise tourism has potential to grow 10 folds, says Union Minister Sarbananda SonowalUnion Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has asserted that Indian cruise market has the potential to grow 10 folds over the next decade, driven by rising demand and disposable incomes. “The government of India realizes this potential and is determined to position India as a global cruise hub with state-of-art infrastructure for both ocean and river cruises," he said after inaugurating the 1st Incredible India International Cruise Conference 2022 in Mumbai today.Source: Free Press Journal2. IIT Gandhinagar develops framework to reduce damage to power transmission systems during cyclonesResearchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Gandhinagar, have developed a comprehensive framework that can reduce the damage to power transmission systems in coastal areas under cyclone scenarios.The team used damage-cum-wind speed data of Cyclone Fani in Odisha to develop a fragility model for towers, which helps[...]

1. Adani Group commits to invest Rs 10,000 cr in Bengal Ports The Adani Group on Wednesday committed to invest Rs 10,000 crore in West Bengal over the next decade, group chief Gautam Adani announced on Wednesday. At the inaugural session of Bengal Global Business Summit 2022 (BGBS) here, Adani said the group will invest in port and infrastructure such as data centre, undersea cable, centre of excellence, warehousing and logistic parks to expand its business in the state. Source: Business World 2. The 50 Km Threat: How Govt Can Minimise Cyclone Damages along India's Coastline The government has always been worried about anti-national activities by inimical elements whether in the form of adversarial states, non-state actors or criminals. The Border Security Force (BSF) has been guarding the borders and the Centre has powers under Section 139 of the BSF Act to notify the change in its jurisdiction. It is for[...]

1. Kerala Maritime Board plans big for coastal shipping developmentThe Kerala Maritime Board (KMB), the nodal agency for all maritime-related activities in Kerala, is pulling out all stops to woo investment for the development of port infrastructure in the State which has a 590-km long coastline with 17 minor and intermediate ports. The State has the scope for developing coastal shipping as an alternative in order to divert goods traffic from congested roads. N.S. Pillai, who took over as chairman of the KMB, said the board will be taking a slew of measures to develop coastal shipping. Source: The Hindu 2. Potentials of Blue Economy in BangladeshGreening coastal belt/delta planning: This will help reduce wind pressure of cyclones and also solidification of new lands. Mangrove in the Sunderbans comprising of 577,040 hectares provide livelihood to about 7.5 million people, timber, wood, boat building materials, rafts and garan for tanning nets, honey,[...]

Introduction Electrical safety is typically one of the main safety concerns at construction sites. Every construction site is covered with electrical hazards. Electrical safety is a general practice of workers who are exposed to handling and maintaining electrically powered equipment and using electricity in construction site. This blog takes a closer look at some common workplace electrical hazards and how to manage them. In addition, this blog discusses safety precautions and solutions for better electrical safety. A simple flow chart for ensure electrical safety at workplace and achieve zero electrical accident. Common Electrical Hazards The first step in improving electrical safety for construction sites is to make sure everyone is able to help identify electrical hazards. This can start with making sure everyone knows that they should treat all extension cords and other electrical equipment as if it had a live current going through it at all times. This simple procedure[...]

1. What Will the Impact of Electric Commercial Vehicles Be on the Utility Industry?As demand among consumers for EVs builds, fleet electrification is happening now and more initiatives are being announced all the time. Driven by policy, business factors and environmental concerns, the impact of electrification of commercial vehicles on the grid will need to be understood and addressed.Utilities will need to work with fleet owners and regulators to move forward. T&D World, in partnership with sister brand Fleet Maintenance, is creating a commercial EV business intelligence report, and we are looking for feedback from electric utilities on how commercial fleet managers for companies can connect with you, and vice versa. What is the road to progress for meaningful commercial electric vehicle fleet deployment? What are the speed bumps and barriers? Source: TD World Man2. ‘GIFT City'—India’s New Global Financial Services Hub Scales Up While presenting the Union Budget for the[...]

1. Five lighthouses in Odisha poised for eco-tourism makeover on PPP modeOdisha’s five lighthouses, which have been providing safe voyage to mariners and navigators since the British era, will be developed into eco-tourism destinations on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model as a part of a country-wide programme to give infrastructure facelift to these Victorian age coastal establishments. The central government has initiated action for the development of tourism at five lighthouses-Gopalpur (Ganjam) Puri lighthouse (Puri), Chandrabhaga (Puri), Paradip (Jagatsinghpur), and False Point (Kendrapara)- in Odisha on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the union minister of ports, shipping and waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal replying to a query by BJD MP Prashanta Nanda told the Rajya Sabha yesterday. Source: The States Man2. What drives sea level rise? Sea levels are rising, and that will bring profound flood risks to large parts of the Gulf and Atlantic coasts over the next three decades. A new report led[...]

Concreting is a critical process which requires strict supervision during placing and compaction of the concrete so as to achieve the desired strength and durability. The improper compaction and bonding between the concrete may leads to various defects which affects the strength and durability of the concrete structure.Defects in concrete structures can result in failure of the structure under certain conditions. It is important for construction teams to observe these defects, such as cracking, spalling, blow holes, honey combing etc. to ensure that the structure being built out of concrete is capable of lasting its design life.Most of the degradation processes encountered by concrete structures such as corrosion, alkali-aggregate reaction, sulphate attack and many other types of physical and chemical deterioration, require water dissolved chemicals. The process of chemical and physical deterioration of concrete with time or reduction in durability is generally dependent on the presence and transport of the deleterious substances through concrete. Thus, permeability[...]

1. Coastal Zone Management Plans for demarcating Sagarmala projects?The National Perspective Plan report dated April 2016 of the Sagarmala Project under the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India has identified 14 Coastal Economic Zones (CEZs) along the coastline of India. Each of these CEZs is mapped to the nearby ports. The tiny State of Goa is included in the Coastal Economic Zone (CEZ) of South Konkan-Maharashtra under the Sagarmala project. The South Konkan-Maharashtra CEZ layout under the Sagarmala project is mapped to the Mormugao major Port The development of Chapora River, Mapusa/Moide River and Sal River have been included along with the rivers of Maharashtra in Cluster-7.This is highlighted in the feasibility report of April 2016 for the Mapusa/Moide River prepared for the Inland Waterways Authority of India(IWAI). Why should these rivers of Goa be included along with the rivers of Maharashtra? Source: Herald Goa2. J&K's becomes first UT to start[...]

India’s road transport sector accounts for about 87% of passenger traffic and 60% of freight traffic movement in the country. For many Indians, road transport is one of the most cost-effective and preferred mode of transport. This is true for both freight and passenger transport. A wide road network, the availability of a variety of transport modes that suit all kinds of individuals, as well as opportunities for low-cost travel are some of the reasons why road transport is popular and preferred.In today's world, road transport has become an integral part of the human experience. Virtually everyone is a road user in one way or the other. In recent years, India has developed many high-speed transport corridors that have minimised distances between people, businesses, towns, and cities. On the other hand, they have also increased the risk to life. Every year, road accidents result in the loss of lakhs of lives,[...]

1. Brexit funds of €35m to be directed to coastal communities to improve piers and harbours European Brexit funds worth €35 million are to be directed to port and coastal communities to improve publicly-owned piers and harbours. The fund, which will be administered by the Department of Agriculture, will be paid out of the EU’s Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) fund. It will be targeted at rejuvenating public piers and harbours in coastal communities, the department said. The establishment of the fund was one of the recommendations of a seafood sector taskforce established after Brexit by Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue. The taskforce had proposed a fund of €80 million across five years for the development of publicly-owned marine infrastructure. Source: Irish Times 2. Budget 2022: SEZ likely to get infrastructure status The upcoming Budget is likely to revamp the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005, in a major push to boost the[...]

1. Climate change-induced permafrost thaw threatening homes, infrastructure in Arctic It has been well established through various studies that the Arctic permafrost has been warming and, in many areas, thawing since the 1980s due to climate change. But new research has claimed that continuous warming could pose danger to pose humans who have established settlements in the Arctic areas. According to a journal published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment on Tuesday, the scientists have said that buckling roads, cracks appearing in building foundations and ruptured pipelines are likely to become a common sight in and around the Arctic as warming temperatures cause the frozen ground to thaw. Source: WIO News2. Panel for Gati Shakti asks DPIIT to identify high-impact infra projects The upcoming Union Budget 2022-23 is expected to give greater thrust to infrastructure creation and expedite connectivity projects in various economic zones. The Cabinet Secretary-led panel for Gati Shakti[...]

India is fast developing country and Infrastructure development is the key indicator for development. Accordingly, there are many infrastructure projects in progress across India specifically Roads & Highways, Coastal Infrastructure, and other infrastructural developments. Infrastructure development projects are carried out with high-risk activities and in hazardous environments. Even though all critical risk analysis is being done at the beginning of the project, while actual execution with all safety measures some lapses like manual errors, mechanical failures may happen. These lapses may lead / experiences accidents of various levels of severity, some causing minor and major injuries with even some resulting in fatality. These Occupational accidents in the infra development projects can have negative detrimental effects directly on project execution, as they can result in loss of productivity, delay the project, low staff morale, loss of reputation, decrease market value and risk to business sustainability. Following a workplace accident, companies often look[...]

1. Smart ports, digitization & more! Sagarmala programme to boost India’s coastal economy The Modi government’s Sagarmala programme is strengthening India’s coastal economy like never before! Apart from building new ports, it is also modernizing old ports of the country with a major infrastructural overhaul. According to details shared by the government, as many as 802 projects worth Rs 5.53 lakh crore are part of the Sagarmala programme. So far, a total of 172 projects have been completed already and 235 projects are underway. A new port is being constructed, worth Rs 6,554 crore. With the Sagarmala programme, the digitization of various systems under one common platform has increased efficiency and output as well. Some of the major initiatives and benefits under digitization include the introduction of smart ports in India, transparency and clarity of work, streamlined communication by a web-based system and a paperless regime. Source: Financial Express 2. Bokaro[...]

Cost Escalation on Infrastructure Projects in India Introduction India is aiming to become a $5 trillion economy by the year 2024 and one of the key sectors which act as a stimulus for this growth is the infrastructure sector. Therefore, India plans to spend $1.4 trillion during the period 2019-2023 to achieve the $5-trillion economy goal. The project implementation status report of central sector projects prepared by Infrastructure and Project Monitoring Division, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India during the 1st quarter of 2021-2022 (April-June) shows that central sector projects costing INR 150 crore & above has incurred approx. 20% cost overrun in their approved project cost. This is a significant finding and if this trend continues in the coming years as well, it will result in fiscal losses and will certainly derail India's goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2024. This case study tries to[...]

1. Offshore projects that harness wind, offset rising water, gaining global tractionCurrent offshore technology allows for venturing further into the seas and using wind as a powerful element to generate sustainable energy. • Floating offshore wind turbines are different from bottom-fixed offshore wind turbines • The Windcatcher is a structure that could contain more than a hundred rotors stacked vertically • A floating 3-floor cow farm adjusts to rising sea levels and doesn't need to take up any space on land. An ocean produces more than a breeze. The deeper you venture offshore, the heavier the winds. Source: AME Info2. Budget 21-22: Infrastructure outlay up 34.5% at Rs. 554,000 crore after pandemicUnion Budget 2021-22 has provided capital outlay of Rs. 554,000 crore, an increase of 34.5 percent over Budget Estimate of FY 2020-21, for infrastructure development to boost the economy after SARS CoV-2 pandemic, minister of state for finance Pankaj Chaudhary[...]

1. Gas-based power plants to be allowed in coastal regulation zone in Andaman & Nicobar : COASTAL INFRASTRUCTURESeeking to meet energy requirements of the islanders while reducing the dependency of Andaman & Nicobar Islands on highly polluting diesel-based power generation, the Centre has proposed allowing gas-based power plants within 'Island Coastal Regulation Zone' in bigger islands with geographical areas of more than 100 sq.km The environment ministry has, to this effect, issued two draft notifications. Final decision would be taken on this after mid-January next year after analysing suggestions and views of stakeholders including environmentalists and local residents in the next two months. Source: Times of India2. Comprehensive database under PM GatiShakti to bring in cost efficiencies, competitiveness: Govt : BUSINESS PARKS AND ECONOMIC ZONESTo facilitate the process, capacity building exercise is being conducted by the BISAG-N team with senior-level officers of relevant ministries and departments under Government of India with[...]

Risk management in construction project is an important process of the project planning. Various risks associated with construction projects and when a risk turns into reality it can disrupt a project and it can have a serious impact on costs, schedules, and performance of the project which will lead to delays and disputes down the road. In order to avoid disaster, you need to be able to properly assess, control, and monitor risks once they’ve been identified. Risk management is a process of steps that help identify and migrate the risks for the successful closure of a project. If done correctly and sincerely, risk management will reduce not only the likelihood of an event occurring, but also the magnitude of its impact. In the simplest terms, risk management process is taking preventive actions to avoid and minimize any kind of risk to a project which lead to  Increase market value, increase[...]

1. JNPT to connect with other ports & boost coastal container traffic through new Coastal Berth : COASTAL INFRASTRUCTURE Construction of Coastal Berth: The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust is set to connect with other Indian ports as well as boost coastal container traffic of the country through its newly constructed Coastal Berth. According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, it has a capacity of 1.5 million tonnes per year of liquid cargo as well as 1 million tonnes per year of general cargo. One of the major benefits of the coastal berth’s construction is that it will cater to coastal movement of cement as well as edible oil under the new policy in which a green channel is provided for coastal cargo which is not possible in customs notified area. Source: Financial Express2. Opinion: Coastal states and cost of cyclones : COASTAL INFRASTRUCTUREIndia’s geo-climatic and socioeconomic factors are contributing[...]

1. CDRI to launch infrastructure resilience project for small island nations at COP 26 : COASTAL INFRASTRUCTUREIndia, Australia and UK are likely to pledge 10 million dollars each for the project and other CDRI initiatives. Other countries are also likely to contribute. Japan and US have offered support in kind, mainly in technical expertise. The Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), a global partnership of 27 countries initiated by India in 2019, will be launching a programme to help small island states develop resilience to climate crisis at the upcoming Glasgow climate change conference COP 26 (October 30 to November 12). Source: Hindustan Times2. G20 Climate Risks: Everything We Know about Climate Change and the Future : COASTAL INFRASTRUCTUREOn the eve of the G20 meeting in Italy, the CMCC Foundation—Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change releases the G20 Climate Risks Atlas. Impacts, policy, economics, a series of country factsheets that summarizes scientific[...]

1. Blue economy policy to minimise conflict areas : COASTAL INFRASTRUCTUREGovernment has committed to create a governance framework that strengthens linkages and minimises conflict between fisheries, transport, environment, mining, tourism and logistics since they all operate in the same coastal area. The desired outcome is for the country to implement a blue economy governance and management system that sustainably maximises economic benefits from marine resources and ensures equitable marine wealth distribution to all Namibians. This is according to Ueritjiua Kauaria, Deputy Executive Director in the fisheries ministry, who spoke on Friday during a consultative workshop in Windhoek for the development of a sustainable blue economy. Source: New Era Live2. Thousands of properties at risk of flooding or erosion due to sea level rises : COASTAL INFRASTRUCTUREParts of Christchurch and Banks Peninsula are likely to become unhabitable as the city council figures out how to adapt to sea level rise. From Friday,[...]

Just after World War II, a pioneering and courageous young Indian woman boarded a ship to England. Her purpose? To study meteorology (weather sciences) at Imperial College London. Anna Mani’s (23rd August 1918 – 16th August 2001) determination to forge her own destiny, coupled with the foresight to study a scientific subject that’s so vital in the modern world, ultimately helped pave the way for meteorological development and progress in India. In the 21st century, the whole world is talking and researching climate change and global warming. India is no exception. Moreover, the country is also looking into the impact of these phenomena on a social problem that’s plagued us for decades – food security. While we have not yet managed to achieve full food security, we are better informed today than we were half a century ago. So we can optimistically hope for a food-secure India sometime in future. And[...]

1. Review mega infrastructure projects in wake of IPCC report: Jairam Ramesh : COASTAL INFRASTRUCTURECongress leader and former Union minister Jairam Ramesh is of the opinion that mega infrastructure projects like the Kozhikode-Wayanad tunnel project or Mumbai Coastal Road project should be reviewed and monitored in the wake of the recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that said that cities like Kochi, Mumbai or Chennai are going to be three feet under the water by the century’s end due to global warming. Source: Times of India2. Dubai to create integrated economic zones authority : BUSINESS PARKS/ ECONOMIC ZONESSheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has issued Law No. (16) of 2021 creating the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, an independent legal entity with financial and autonomy. According to the new Law, Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai[...]

On 30th September 2021, the World celebrated the 43rd World Maritime Day! I woke up early on that morning thinking that I’ll write a post about it on my LinkedIn and Instagram page with the intention of wishing the Maritime Industry on this auspicious day. But as soon as I logged in, I was subjected to yet another message stating something on the lines of “My name is XYZ, I completed my training from ABC Maritime University, in B-tech Marine course in 2017. I come from a poor family and my parents have taken a hefty loan to complete my education. I have applied to 50 shipping companies but have received no response and now some agent is claiming if I cough up 4 lakh rupees, he will help me join a ship in an ITF company. I am in deep trouble. Please help me sir”. After reading this disquieting message,[...]

1. JNPT set to be the first landlord port : COASTAL INFRASTRUCTURE The publicly governed port authority will function as a regulatory body. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) has picked Crisil Risk and Infrastructure Solutions as transaction advisor for the planned privatisation of the shallow water berth that handles general cargo and the coastal berth dedicated for local cargo movements. The 4.5 million tonne (mt) a year capacity shallow water berth has a length of 445 metres with a depth of 10 metres, and is capable of handling container, cement, general cargo and liquid cargo vessels. Source: The Hindu Businessline 2. India’s Blue Economy – An Ocean Of Opportunities : COASTAL INFRASTRUCTURE On the 2nd of March 2021, the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Damodardas Modi inaugurated the Maritime India Summit-2021 virtually, which ranks as one of the world’s biggest virtual summits with the participation of a mind-boggling 0.17 million[...]

Report On Grounding Of M.V. Ever Given In The Suez CanalDISCLAIMER: - This report is based on information available in the public domain through various media resources. Although the information thus obtained could not be verified, the data has largely been cross checked for inconsistencies. Only such data, which appeared reasonable and practical to the author (based on his professional experience and knowledge) has been included. Furthermore, chapters 01 to 05 have been compiled with information available up to vessel departure from Suez.1. SALIENT FEATURES OF THE SUEZ CANALThe 120-mile-long canal, constructed in 1869, connects the Mediterranean in the North with the Red Sea in the South. The canal is managed and operated by the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) since 1956, when the Egyptian government nationalized the Suez Canal Company, which was largely owned by British & French interests. The chairman of SCA is Mr Osama Rabie. Captain Hassanin was on[...]

1. Forget massive seawalls, coastal wetlands offer the best storm protection money can buy : COASTAL INFRASTRUCTURE Coastal communities around the world are facing increasing threats from tropical cyclones. Climate change is causing rising sea levels and bigger, more frequent storms. Many coastal communities are pondering what to do. Should they build massive seawalls in a bid to protect existing infrastructure? Do they give up on their current coastal locations and retreat inland? Or is there another way? Source: The Conversation 2. NASA visualises how sea levels will rise in Indian coastal regions : COASTAL INFRASTRUCTURE IPCC had flagged that sea levels around Asia in the North Indian Ocean have increased faster than the global average, with coastal area loss and shoreline retreat The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its “Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis” report released on August 9 made sea level projections which are based[...]

1. New report details America's water infrastructure cyber vulnerabilities : COASTAL INFRASTRUCTURE Danny Jenkins, CEO and cofounder of the cybersecurity firm ThreatLocker, was terrified when he first heard the details behind a cyberattack on a Florida water treatment plant earlier this year. Officials said hackers exploited an outdated version of Windows in an apparent attempt to poison the water supply for a local community. Jenkins wasn't just alarmed that hackers had successfully managed to gain remote access to the plant's TeamViewer software to jack up levels of sodium hydroxide to a lethal dosage, but that a single operator could potentially tamper with the chemical levels - regardless of whether that person was a hacker or utility employee. Source: FCW 2. Are floating cities a real possibility? : FLOATING STRUCTURES With the world’s population nearing 7.9 billion, and estimates projecting that it will reach 9.7 by 2050, architects and urban planners naturally[...]