A new shipping policy to promote coastal shipping is on the anvil. The Union Shipping Minister Mr. G K Vasan said that the policy would be formulated in consultation with maritime states. He was addressing the media in Chennai after the 12th meeting of the Maritime States Development Council. In view of the security aspects at different ports, the Minister said that Vessel Traffic Management System would be installed in all the ports which have not been covered. On the handling of hazardous materials in port areas, Mr Vasan said that guidelines would be issued to all major ports and maritime state boards. In the wake of the oil spill in Mumbai, the Minister said that Maritime States would prepare an Oil Spill Contingency Plan to tackle smaller oil spills through contracts with agencies having such expertise. On the Sethusamudram project, the Minister said, it would be implemented in accordance with the Supreme Court’s orders. He also said the elevated expressway from Chennai Port to Maduravoyal would be constructed at a cost of 1,530 crore rupees.