Collision risk more as ships plying close to west coast: Vasan

"As a result of declaration of high risk area most ships are forced to ply close to the west coast," Vasan said, while inaugurating the four-day 'Indian Maritime 2012' conference organised by the Union Ministry of Shipping.

This is posing a threat of collision with the fish vessels plying in the same area, he said.

Stating that piracy has been a major concern for various nations, Vasan stressed the need of forming sub committee on maritime safety.

Referring to Mormugao Port Trust (MPT), a port in Goa, Vasan said the Ministry is making efforts to utilise it for multi-commodity cargo. The MPT is currently handling coal and iron ore.

MPT's dependence on few cargos would be a thing of the past with the introduction of wheat exports by Food Corporation of India and pharma products by the companies, he said.

"In future the port would be able to handle containers also," the minister added.