Port Blair, Jan 2: D. Ayyappan, Secretary, CPI (M) Andaman & Nicobar State Organising Committee today met the Director of Shipping Services, A & N Islands and discussed with him various issues concerning the shipping sector.  CPI (M) Secretary urged the Director of Shipping Services to acquire more suitable ships for the mainland-island and inter-island sectors.  

He also emphasized the need to acquire more cargo ships for the Andaman & Nicobar Administration for island-mainland and inter-island sectors to meet the requirements of the islanders in the event of private cargo ships having the life span of 25 years are prohibited from operating in the Indian ports from 2026 onwards, as per the current proposal. 

Ayyappan further requested the Director of Shipping Services to acquire more Sentinel-type vessels which will be suitable for Car Nicobar and other southern group of islands. Appreciating the steps taken by the Director of Shipping Services to announce the schedule of ships for one month in advance, Ayyappan requested the DSS to minimize the cancellation of voyages.  

Director of Shipping Services was kind enough to hear the issues and discuss it in detail.  He assured the CPI (M) Secretary that suitable steps will be taken on the demands raised during the meeting.