India Unveils Major Maritime Initiatives to Strengthen Trade, Sustainability, and Global Competitiveness

Mumbai: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, launched a series of transformative initiatives aimed at modernizing India’s maritime infrastructure, strengthening global trade resilience, and promoting sustainability. The announcements were made during a key stakeholder meeting in Mumbai, where industry leaders and policymakers discussed opportunities emerging from the recent Union Budget for the maritime sector.

A landmark initiative introduced was the ‘One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP),’ designed to standardize and streamline port operations across the country. The move aims to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce costs, and remove inconsistencies in documentation and processes that have previously caused delays. Shri Sonowal emphasized that this step aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India, boosting efficiency and ensuring the nation’s ports operate at globally competitive standards.

Additionally, the Minister launched ‘Sagar Ankalan’ – the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) for FY 2023-24. This index will serve as a benchmark for assessing port efficiency, driving operational excellence, and enhancing India’s trade connectivity. The LPPI evaluates all major and non-major ports under categories such as bulk and container handling, focusing on turnaround times, cargo throughput, and efficiency improvements.

To further bolster India’s maritime reach, Sonowal introduced the Bharat Global Ports Consortium, an initiative aimed at expanding India’s footprint in international trade by fostering global partnerships and optimizing supply chains. He also unveiled the MAITRI (Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface) logo, which will serve as a digital platform to streamline trade processes, reduce bureaucratic roadblocks, and accelerate clearances. MAITRI is set to play a crucial role in operationalizing the Virtual Trade Corridor (VTC) between India and the UAE and will be extended to BIMSTEC and ASEAN nations, utilizing AI and blockchain for efficiency and security.

Sonowal highlighted that ONOP has already led to significant reforms, reducing container operation documents by 33% (from 143 to 96) and bulk cargo documents by 29% (from 150 to 106). These measures, he noted, are part of the broader Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aims to establish India as a global maritime leader.

Furthering the push for sustainable and green port development, the Minister announced an allocation of ₹1,500 crore under the ‘Harit Nauka’ scheme to transition conventional vessels into Green Vessels by 2030. This investment aligns with India’s commitment to eco-friendly maritime solutions and cleaner shipping alternatives.

Another major announcement was the India Maritime Week, scheduled to take place from October 27 to 31, 2025, in Mumbai. The event will include the 4th edition of the Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS) and the 2nd edition of the Sagarmanthan dialogue, positioning India as a hub for global maritime discussions. Representation from 100 countries and participation from 100,000 delegates are expected.

In addition, Sonowal announced a ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund, which will provide long-term financing, encourage private investment, and modernize shipping infrastructure. The fund will support initiatives such as shipbuilding clusters, customs duty exemptions on shipbuilding inputs for 10 years, and extending the tonnage tax regime to inland vessels.

Concluding his address, Sonowal emphasized that India’s Blue Economy is pivotal for job creation, trade expansion, and sustainable growth. He reiterated the government’s commitment to making India one of the top 10 shipbuilding nations by 2030 and urged industry stakeholders to collaborate, innovate, and contribute to the nation’s maritime progress.