Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Members of the All Goa Barge Owners Association on Wednesday met Captain of Ports Minister Digambar Kamat to discuss the challenges faced by the barge industry, including low freight rates, rising maintenance costs, vessel upgrades, and the need for skilled workforce training.
The association representatives conveyed that the sector has been operating at a loss due to high operational expenses and limited cargo movement. “We are struggling to maintain and repair our barges. The export of at least 20 million tonnes of iron ore is essential to keep our operations viable,” the barge owners stated during the meeting.
They urged the government to intervene with policy support and infrastructure initiatives to revive the barge industry, which has long been a vital part of Goa’s maritime and mining economy.
