Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Launches Major Maritime Tech Initiatives to Boost Digital, Green Transformation

New Delhi: In a major step toward transforming India’s maritime sector into a digitally empowered and sustainable ecosystem, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal today launched a series of groundbreaking initiatives, including the SAGAR SETU digital platform and the signing of an MoU to establish a Digital Centre of Excellence (DCoE) in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC).

During the launch event in New Delhi, Minister Sonowal emphasized the government’s vision of building a modern, efficient, and green maritime economy aligned with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. “India’s maritime sector is undergoing a transformative digital shift. With the launch of SAGAR SETU and the Digital Centre of Excellence, we reaffirm our commitment to efficiency, transparency and sustainability,” he said.

The Ministry signed a strategic MoU with CDAC to establish the DCoE, which will serve as a technology powerhouse offering advanced IT solutions for modernizing port operations, shipping logistics, and promoting green initiatives through the use of AI, IoT, and blockchain. The Centre will act as a think tank and technology enabler for the maritime sector, aligning technological innovation with the country’s larger sustainability and trade goals.

The SAGAR SETU platform, now live, is designed to bring operational efficiency and ease of doing business across India’s port and logistics sector. Integrated with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the platform connects over 80 ports and 40 major stakeholders, streamlining EXIM-related services, cargo documentation, and vessel processing times. The shift to paperless logistics is expected to boost port efficiency and reduce delays in trade processes.

The Minister also launched the ‘DRISHTI’ (Data-driven decision support system) framework—a monitoring tool aimed at tracking progress under the Maritime India Vision 2030. Built around four pillars—KPI Monitoring, Achievements Tracking, Organisational Oversight, and Functional Cell Review—DRISHTI will enable real-time decision-making, foster accountability, and ensure timely implementation of sectoral reforms.

Another key highlight was the introduction of a standardized Scale of Rates (SOR) template for all major ports, aimed at improving tariff transparency and reducing interpretational inconsistencies. Developed through extensive consultations, the SOR template supports digital integration, offers uniform definitions and service articulation, and allows for local customisation—ushering in a new era of clarity in port tariffs.

Union Minister of State for MoPSW, Shantanu Thakur, noted, “With the Scale of Rates and platforms like SAGAR SETU, we are strengthening investor confidence, enhancing service delivery, and aligning our maritime ecosystem with global standards.”

Parallel to these digital milestones, MoPSW also unveiled the report “Gateway to Green: Assessing Port Readiness for Green Hydrogen Transition in India” in collaboration with the Indian Ports Association. The report outlines a comprehensive roadmap to transform ports into clean energy hubs capable of producing, storing, and exporting green hydrogen. Ports such as Paradip, Cochin, Mumbai, Deendayal, Jawaharlal Nehru Port and V.O. Chidambaranar have been identified as key centres for this energy transition.

Commenting on the report, Sonowal said, “This roadmap reflects our commitment to sustainability and energy security. With India targeting the production of 5 million tons of Green Hydrogen by 2030, our ports are set to become global centres for clean energy.”

These initiatives, collectively, signal a tectonic shift in India’s maritime and logistics sectors. By focusing on technology, sustainability, and infrastructure modernization, the Ministry is working to transform traditional ports into engines of economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Also present at the event were MoPSW Secretary T.R. Ramachandran and other senior officials. The day’s proceedings reinforced India’s commitment to building a digital-first, green maritime economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aligned with the larger vision of a Viksit Bharat.