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India is stepping up efforts to expand its domestic shipping ecosystem through a combination of shipbuilding incentives, maritime financing reforms and fleet expansion plans aimed at reducing dependence on foreign carriers.
The push reflects a broader policy shift in which maritime infrastructure is increasingly being viewed through the lens of economic security, trade resilience and strategic autonomy. Government initiatives unveiled over the past three years have focused on boosting local ship construction, increasing Indian-flagged tonnage and strengthening coastal shipping capabilities.
Under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the government aims to position India among the world’s top five shipbuilding nations while significantly expanding domestic shipbuilding capacity. The Union Budget for 2025 also introduced a ₹250 billion Maritime Development Fund intended to improve access to long-term capital for shipbuilders, shipowners and related infrastructure projects.
Although nearly 95 percent of India’s trade by volume moves through sea routes, a substantial portion of cargo continues to be carried by foreign-owned vessels, resulting in significant freight outflows overseas.
The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), the country’s largest state-owned shipping company, has outlined aggressive fleet expansion plans as part of this transition. According to company officials, SCI intends to acquire 216 vessels by 2047 through investments estimated at around ₹1 trillion. The expansion includes oil and gas carriers, container ships and additional vessels under future joint ventures.
Private sector players are beginning to respond to the policy changes as well as India continues to balance competing priorities between promoting domestic shipping interests and maintaining the competitiveness of its ports as international transhipment hubs.
The debate has intensified following recent changes to cabotage rules governing foreign participation in coastal cargo movement. While the government has signalled stronger support for Indian-flagged vessels, global shipping operators have raised concerns that tighter restrictions could affect the attractiveness of Indian ports such as Vizhinjam for transhipment operations.
Logistics experts argue that India’s long-term success will depend not only on protecting domestic shipping interests but also on developing world-class port infrastructure capable of attracting global liner operators.
Industry executives say the transformation of India’s maritime sector will require sustained investment, policy stability and long-term access to capital. However, they believe the country’s growing focus on shipbuilding, vessel ownership and maritime finance marks a structural shift in how India approaches global trade and supply chain security.
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Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR) has collaborated with Aiyer Shipping to strengthen its overseas shipping services and expand integrated logistics solutions for export-import (EXIM) trade. Announced on 30 October 2026, the collaboration aims to improve international shipping connectivity and provide exporters and importers with more coordinated, efficient and reliable multimodal logistics services. The partnership brings together CONCOR’s established inland container transportation and terminal infrastructure with Aiyer Shipping’s broader shipping and freight forwarding capabilities. By strengthening the link between domestic cargo movement and international shipping, the initiative seeks to improve access to overseas markets and support the evolving logistics requirements of Indian businesses engaged in cross-border trade. Strengthening Multimodal Logistics Connectivity CONCOR operates an extensive network of container terminals and rail-based freight services that connect inland production and consumption centres with gateway ports. Its FY2025–26 annual report records 68 terminals as of 31 March 2026, supported by a fleet of 424 rakes and an inventory of 57,746 containers. This infrastructure provides a foundation for moving containerised cargo between inland locations and ports. Aiyer Shipping’s published service portfolio includes container-line agency services, sea freight, freight forwarding, Customs clearance, warehousing and multimodal transportation. Its capabilities also cover full-container-load (FCL) and less-than-container-load (LCL) shipments, as well as breakbulk, bulk and project cargo. These services offer relevant expertise for coordinating different stages of international cargo movement, although the specific services covered under the new collaboration have not been individually disclosed. For exporters and importers, closer coordination between inland transportation and maritime shipping can help streamline shipment planning, equipment positioning and documentation. Aligning inland cargo arrivals with vessel schedules and port cut-off times is particularly important for maintaining predictable transit times and avoiding unnecessary delays across the supply chain. Expanding Overseas Trade Opportunities The collaboration reflects CONCOR’s broader approach of working with maritime partners to extend the reach of its inland logistics network. In June 2024, the company signed a separate memorandum of understanding with Shipping Corporation of India to explore opportunities in integrated logistics, overseas shipping and coastal and inland-waterway transportation. The Aiyer Shipping arrangement adds to this wider effort to strengthen links between inland cargo infrastructure and international maritime services. However, the commercial impact of the latest collaboration will depend on its implementation, including the services made available, the international connections offered and the level of coordination achieved across the shipment cycle. Specific routes, sailing schedules, tariffs and projected cargo volumes have not been disclosed in the announcement. For India’s EXIM sector, stronger cooperation between inland logistics operators and shipping service providers can help create more connected supply chains. As the collaboration develops, its ability to offer reliable cargo movement, competitive overall logistics costs and smoother access to overseas markets will be key measures of its value to customers. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
The Government of India has extended the Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF) scheme until March 31, 2027, to support exporters facing continued geopolitical disruptions in West Asia. The extension aims to provide greater insurance protection and cost certainty for eligible shipments as maritime logistics across the Gulf and neighbouring regions remain under pressure. The Department of Commerce announced the extension under Component II of RELIEF, an initiative operating within the government’s Export Promotion Mission (EPM). The revised timeline was notified through notification, in response to the continuing impact of regional instability on shipping operations and export trade. Enhanced Insurance Cover for Eligible Exporters Under Component II, the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC) facilitates enhanced risk coverage of up to 95% for eligible losses arising from war-related and associated political risks, subject to policy conditions and verification. The scheme also protects eligible exporters against increases in insurance premiums beyond pre-disruption levels during the specified period. The benefit applies to qualifying standalone and whole-turnover insurance policies obtained on or after March 16, 2026. Eligible cargo categories include Full Container Load (FCL), Less than Container Load (LCL) and refrigerated container shipments, while energy shipments are excluded. Exporters must meet the prescribed policy and shipment requirements to access the benefits. Logistics Disruptions Continue to Challenge Trade The extension comes amid persistent challenges for exporters, including elevated freight rates, port congestion, uncertain transit schedules and higher operating costs. Disruptions to maritime routes have affected cargo movement through key West Asian trade corridors, complicating shipment planning and increasing financial pressure on businesses with limited margins. Exporters dealing in agricultural commodities and other price-sensitive products are particularly vulnerable, as additional freight and insurance expenses can erode profitability. Smaller exporters may also face difficulties managing delayed payments and maintaining reliable delivery schedules. By extending RELIEF, the government aims to strengthen exporters’ ability to manage eligible geopolitical risks and maintain trade continuity with designated markets. The measure is particularly relevant for businesses dependent on containerised maritime shipments to the Gulf and adjoining regions. However, the scheme does not guarantee lower freight charges or eliminate operational disruptions. Its effectiveness will depend on exporters securing eligible insurance cover and complying with documentation and claim requirements. The extension provides a longer window of risk protection as Indian exporters navigate an uncertain trade environment, while the stability of shipping routes and logistics costs will remain critical to export performance in the coming months. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Tuticorin International Container Terminal (TICT) at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port has been declared a “Green Terminal” after achieving 100% electrification of its operational equipment, according to an official statement. Union Shipping Secretary Vijay Kumar made the declaration during a review of ongoing development projects at VOC Port, valued at approximately ₹18,000 crore. As part of the terminal’s green transition, the Secretary flagged off 13 electric Internal Transfer Vehicles (E-ITVs) to support cleaner and more sustainable container-handling operations. Advancing Green Port Operations The complete electrification of TICT’s operational equipment is expected to reduce diesel consumption and local emissions from container-yard and quay operations. The initiative marks a significant step towards cleaner port logistics, as the maritime sector increasingly focuses on reducing its environmental footprint. The green terminal designation relates to the electrification of operational equipment and does not imply that visiting vessels are powered by alternative fuels. VOC Port Expands Green Energy Initiatives During the review, the Shipping Secretary also assessed several green infrastructure initiatives at VOC Port, including a pilot methanol bunkering and refuelling facility, a green hydrogen pilot project, and wind energy infrastructure. VOC Port Chairman Sushanta Kumar Purohit highlighted the port’s annual cargo-handling capacity of 82 million tonnes and its long maritime history, with trade links dating back to 123 AD. The port is also pursuing employee welfare and social infrastructure projects, including a golf course and a Kendriya Vidyalaya. Outer Harbour Project to Boost Transshipment The review also covered the outer harbour project, which is expected to add 4 million tonnes per annum of cargo-handling capacity. The project aims to strengthen Tamil Nadu’s position as a major transshipment hub for southern India. With the electrification of terminal equipment and investments in alternative fuels and green energy, VOC Port is advancing its efforts to combine sustainable port operations with expanded cargo-handling and transshipment capacity. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates
