New Delhi, Dec 7 (IANS): The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has compiled the draft guidelines for technical specifications of floating structures, with a vision to set up and deploy world-class floating infrastructure all along the coastline.

The draft guidelines have been put up for public comments.

Floating structures, because of their inherent advantages, are an attractive solution and being encouraged by the Ministry.

Floating jetties have an advantage over the conventional quays and fixed concrete structures. It is a cost-effective solution and much cheaper than conventional structures. Besides, setting it up is much faster and the entire structure can be built in 6-8 months as compared to 24 months for conventional structures.

The Ministry has successfully implemented a few pilot projects in the recent past by following international guiding principles. These include setting up of passenger floating jetties in Goa, water-aerodromes on the Sabarmati River and at Sardar Sarovar Dam (for the seaplane services) which are yielding the best results.

More than 80 similar projects of the Ministry are under planning stage all along the coastline for overall development and upliftment of the coastal community.

A benchmark and standard specifications at par with international standards are being evolved by the Ministry so that technical specifications of floating structures are frozen after due deliberations with various stakeholders. For this, the Ministry has entrusted IIT Chennai to work out the technical specifications of sustainable floating structures like floating jetties, water-aerodromes, floating marinas, fish landing facilities etc. so that precise and stringent technical specifications are established.