Why in news?

Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal launched major initiatives under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) to modernize India's maritime infrastructure, enhance its global trade presence, and promote sustainability.

These initiatives focus on improving port efficiency, upgrading facilities, integrating Indian ports with global trade networks, and enhancing cargo handling capacities. Emphasis was also placed on adopting green technologies and eco-friendly port operations.

What’s in today’s article?

• Key Maritime Initiatives launched
• India Maritime Week 2025: Showcasing Maritime Growth
• Revitalizing India’s Shipbuilding Sector
• Vision for India’s Blue Economy

Key Maritime Initiatives launched

• The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways launched a series of major initiatives of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW).
• These initiatives were launched during a stakeholders meeting to discuss on various possibilities from the major announcements made in the Union Budget for the Maritime sector.
• One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP): Standardizing Port Operations
  • ONOP was launched to standardize port operations across India’s major ports.
  • The initiative aims to eliminate inconsistencies in documentation, reduce inefficiencies, lower costs, and minimize operational delays.
  • The Ministry has streamlined documentation, cutting container operation documents by 33% (from 143 to 96) and bulk cargo documents by 29% (from 150 to 106).
• Sagar Ankalan - Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI): Enhancing Competitiveness
  • The Sagar Ankalan LPPI was introduced to assess port performance and improve operational efficiency.
  • It evaluates key metrics like cargo handling, turnaround time, berth idle time, and ship berth-day output.
  • By benchmarking performance and fostering a culture of transparency and efficiency, LPPI aligns with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and strengthens India’s global trade presence.
• Bharat Global Ports Consortium: Expanding Trade Reach
  • The Bharat Global Ports Consortium was launched to boost India’s maritime trade by integrating IPGL (operations), SDCL (finance), and IPRCL (infrastructure development).
  • This initiative will enhance logistics, support the ‘Make in India’ movement, and strengthen global trade connectivity.
• MAITRI: Digital Transformation in Trade
  • The Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface (MAITRI) was introduced to streamline trade processes, reduce bureaucratic delays, and improve efficiency through AI and blockchain.
  • MAITRI will play a key role in operationalizing the Virtual Trade Corridor (VTC) between India and the UAE, aligning with the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and expanding to BIMSTEC and ASEAN nations.
• National Centre of Excellence in Green Port and Shipping (NCoEGPS): Advancing Sustainability
  • A website for the National Centre of Excellence in Green Port and Shipping (NCoEGPS) was launched to promote sustainability in maritime operations.
  • It will focus on carbon footprint reduction, cleaner fuels, and eco-friendly port management.

India Maritime Week 2025: Showcasing Maritime Growth

• India will host the India Maritime Week from October 27-31, 2025, in Mumbai.
• The event will highlight India’s ‘Maritime Virasat’ (Heritage) and ‘Maritime Vikaas’ (Development), featuring the 4th Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS) and the 2nd edition of Sagarmanthan.
• It will attract representatives from 100 countries and 100,000 delegates.

Revitalizing India’s Shipbuilding Sector

• Discussions focused on financial support for Indian shipyards, including:
  • ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund for long-term financing.
  • Recognition of large ships as infrastructure, unlocking investment opportunities.
  • Shipbuilding clusters to enhance competitiveness and technology adoption.
  • Customs duty exemption extension for shipbuilding inputs for 10 years.
  • Extension of tonnage tax regime to inland vessels to promote river transport.
  • The Ship Breaking Credit Note Scheme to boost ship recycling.

Vision for India’s Blue Economy

• The Union Minister emphasized that India's Blue Economy is vital for jobs, trade, sustainability, and economic growth. He reiterated the government's commitment to:
  • Making India a top 10 shipbuilding nation by 2030.
  • Creating a world-class, efficient, and future-ready maritime ecosystem.
  • Strengthening India’s position as a global maritime powerhouse.
• These measures aim to enhance financial accessibility, support shipbuilding, and improve India's competitiveness in the maritime sector.