# Kerala’s port-led growth plan hinges on maritime ecosystem 2026-08-10T04:53:08+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Kerala's push for a port-led growth strategy will succeed only with a full maritime ecosystem, not just more cargo terminals, former Cochin Port chairman Paul Antony writes in BusinessLine. He points to Singapore, which earns from bunkering, ship repair and supplies, as the model for Kochi and Vizhinjam. Separately, Cochin Port has drawn up a five-theme redevelopment plan for Willingdon Island, targeting higher liquid and dry cargo volumes by 2030. Antony argues that cumbersome customs, 5% GST on bunkering, and the absence of Gujarat-style private funding are hurdles. He urges more use of National Waterway-3 to move freight and cut road congestion. ## Coverage - thehindubusinessline.com - thehindubusinessline.com Tags: GST on bunkering, Kerala ports, maritime economy, National Waterway-3, port-led development, Vizhinjam Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/kerala-must-build-maritime-ecosystem-beyond-ports-says-ex-chief-secy/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/kerala-must-build-maritime-ecosystem-beyond-ports-says-ex-chief-secy/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.