A step towards improving marine safety and reducing pollution, the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) has launched an ambitious project to remove long-sunken fishing trawlers, boats, and rusted scrap metal that have accumulated on the seabed near the jetties at Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour. This operation is part of a broader initiative by VPA to modernize the harbour’s infrastructure, ensuring smoother navigation, enhanced safety, and cleaner waters.
Many of the vessels and scrap targeted for removal have been lying submerged more than 10 meters deep for several decades. Over time, these sunken trawlers and boats have become hazards, blocking anchoring spaces and creating significant risks for navigation in the harbour. In collaboration with local fishermen, VPA has successfully identified six sunken fishing trawlers and 11 smaller fishing boats, which are now slated for removal. The operation, which is estimated to cost approximately ₹1.2 crore, is expected to be completed by December 2024.
The complexity of this operation requires specialized techniques and equipment. VPA is using advanced underwater videography to map out the exact locations of the sunken vessels, while high-efficiency generators and compressors are being deployed to clear the debris and lift the sunken boats from the seabed. These tools will help minimize environmental disturbance during the salvage process, ensuring that the port continues to operate efficiently while maintaining safety standards.
A Challenging Task to Ensure Safety and Sustainability
VPA Secretary T. Venu Gopal, addressing the magnitude of the project, stated that the removal of these sunken vessels is not only crucial for the safe operation of the harbour but also a vital environmental measure. “This task is highly sensitive, dangerous, and challenging due to the depth at which these boats are located and the complexity of the surrounding environment,” he explained. Despite these difficulties, VPA remains committed to executing the project with the highest standards of safety.
“Safety and security are VPA’s top priorities during this operation,” Gopal emphasized. “We have undertaken this initiative not only to safeguard the welfare of the fishermen but also to mitigate the environmental impact caused by decades of marine pollution from these sunken scraps.”
The removal of these vessels will significantly reduce the hazards faced by fishermen, who have long struggled with the obstructions at the jetties. By clearing the area, VPA aims to provide a safer and more efficient harbour environment for all users, while also contributing to the long-term sustainability of Visakhapatnam’s maritime ecosystem.
A Commitment to Harbour Modernization
In addition to improving safety and reducing pollution, this scrap removal initiative is part of VPA’s larger vision to modernize and upgrade Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour. The project aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance the harbour’s capacity, streamline operations, and improve the quality of services offered to the fishing community and other harbour users.
The removal project is expected to be completed by December 2024, marking the conclusion of a significant phase in the harbour’s development. Once finished, the harbour will not only be safer for navigation but will also benefit from cleaner waters, reduced pollution, and improved operational efficiency.
With this project, VPA reaffirms its commitment to both environmental stewardship and the development of world-class port infrastructure in Visakhapatnam, ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for the local fishing industry and the marine environment.
Source: The Hindu
