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Regional Focus

etcetera. In JNPT this was sorted out after I approached all
ship chandlers, took their signatures and submitted this to the

Ports Chairman and only then was the issue closed.
“One of the biggest issues we face is tax and no direct access

to ports like those available to ships’ agents. Similarly we also

face problems with customs, sales tax, municipal authorities and
other government departments. We also face competition from

unorganised sectors of ship chandlers who are actually one time
suppliers. They cut down prices to win a quote but they do not

provide good quality services and ultimately move out of
business, which effects established suppliers like us because

they don’t have a sustainable form of business or help the
Ajay Joseph, Director, Global Marine Supply Coclients with best prices and quality products. Besides this they

keep changing their company name and address and also are most enjoyable part of setting this up. My special thanks to the
not paying their vendors properly which creates a bad 11 founder members for their support and co-operation in

impression about the industry in the Indian market.”setting this up.”

What can ISSA do to help Indian ship suppliers to be more Of course, it isn’t all simply plain sailing for Indian ship
profitable and to put India on the map in the world of ship suppliers, who share the burden of many barriers and

supply? Mr Joseph concluded: “The first thing ISSA can do is challenges in their industry: “There are too many issues for the
recognise/approve us and make us a member of the ship chandelling industry in India. Ports come with their private

organisation as other existing National Associations. As a rules and regulations and very often that affects our business.
National Association we do surely approach Indian Government The best example I could give is that Jawaharlal Nehru Port

however an affiliation with International organisation like ISSA (JNPT) stopped hot work permissions and mobilisation last
will sure help achieve our goals much faster. We trust and are year hence ships that required emergency repair work could

sure that ISSA will approve and make our association a member not go for it and the service sector has suffered. Some ports
of the Assembly. We wish to take our association forward under have asked exorbitant fees as registration to ship suppliers and

ISSA’s guidance and co-operation. uthat too for each type of business like supplies, services,

Issue 63 2014
10 The SHIP Supplier