Maritime experts, policymakers call for underwater domain awareness, smart ports

Maritime experts and policymakers from across South Asia have called for a paradigm shift in regional maritime integration, emphasising the need for smart ports, indigenous technology, and shared Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) in the Northeast Indian Ocean.

Speaking at a regional dialogue today (13 January), titled "Connectivity and Regional Integrations with a Highlight on Ports and Shipping in the North East Indian Ocean", the discussants highlighted the strategic importance of deep-sea ports like Matarbari in enhancing trade and logistics connectivity across the region.

Commodore Tanzim Faruq, representing the Moheshkhali Integrated Development Authority (Mida), said the Matarbari Deep Sea Port is being developed not only as a national infrastructure project but as a regional hub to facilitate trade across South Asia and beyond.

"When Matarbari Deep Sea Port becomes fully operational, mother vessels will be able to arrive and depart directly. This will reduce export time by 19% and shipping costs by 25%," he said.

Tanzim added that Mida is following a phased master plan extending to 2056, aiming to transform the Moheshkhali-Matarbari region into a vibrant hub of economic activity while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Dr Arnab Das, founder and director of the Maritime Research Centre, India, emphasised the critical role of UDA in regional connectivity, noting that 95% of resources and challenges lie below the surface.

He cautioned against over-reliance on Western technology, highlighting that sonar systems tested in other waters often underperform in tropical conditions.

"A sonar tested in Russian waters might give 32 nautical miles of range, but here it degrades by 60%. Indigenous capability development is essential," Dr Das said.

He also criticised current sediment management practices, particularly dredging, as unsuitable for tropical ports.

Dr Namal Bandarnayake of the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, noted that Eastern seaboard countries currently have to navigate around Sri Lanka to access the Port of Colombo.

He proposed linking deep-water ports such as Trincomalee, Hambantota, and Colombo via a dedicated rail corridor, which could reduce transit times by one to two days while significantly cutting costs and carbon emissions.

Former maritime affairs secretary Rear Admiral (retd) Khurshed Alam highlighted the technological dimension of smart ports, stressing the integration of blockchain, AI, IoT, automated gate systems, and real-time data exchange to enhance efficiency and transparency in port operations and customs.

The session, moderated by Commodore (retd) Sheikh Mahmudul Hassan, additional secretary of the Maritime Affairs Unit, concluded that the Northeast Indian Ocean is a vital artery for international trade and energy flows.

The dialogue was organised by the Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI) of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, in collaboration with Mida and Peace and Policy Solutions (PPS).