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India’s maritime sector received a boost in digitalisation and performance-driven governance this week with the launch of a new national port benchmarking framework and a series of technology-focused reforms aimed at improving efficiency across the shipping industry. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced these changes during the 37th Foundation Day celebrations of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Mumbai. He also recognized outstanding performers across India’s ports under the Sagar Aankalan Awards for FY 2024-25.
Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, received the award for top performance in container cargo handling for ports processing under 0.5 million TEUs annually. DPA Deputy Chairman Nilabhra Dasgupta accepted the award on behalf of the authority. A major highlight was the introduction of the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI), a new framework designed to measure and compare the operational effectiveness of Indian ports. Developed under the Sagar Aankalan initiative, the index aims to support the government's broader goals under PM Gati Shakti, Maritime India Vision 2030, and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
The LPPI assesses ports across various operational parameters, such as vessel turnaround time, cargo throughput, berth productivity, waiting times before berthing, idle berth time, and container dwell time. This framework considers both current performance and year-on-year improvements, encouraging ports to continually enhance their operations.
While addressing stakeholders, Sonowal mentioned that the new index would promote transparency and help Indian ports measure themselves against global standards. He stated that this initiative is focused on boosting India’s competitiveness in international logistics and maritime trade. The government also launched four digital platforms developed by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), aimed at streamlining administrative processes and improving services for stakeholders.
One notable achievement was a 24/7 grievance redressal system for seafarers integrated into the e-Navik platform. This system allows complaints to be submitted through multiple channels, including WhatsApp, a toll-free helpline, email, and the online portal. This makes it easier for Indian seafarers worldwide to access support. Describing this initiative as a vital welfare measure, the minister emphasized that maritime professionals often work in tough conditions far from home and need reliable support systems. He noted that the new framework reinforces India’s commitment to international maritime labor standards and the welfare of its seafaring workforce.
Additional digital reforms include the introduction of an online ship registration module via the e-Samudra platform, a dedicated system for managing certified medical practitioners for seafarers, and a unified portal for managing ship recycling credit benefits. The ship recycling initiative is part of a larger maritime development agenda announced in 2025. Under this plan, owners recycling vessels at compliant Indian facilities can receive credit notes worth 40 percent of a vessel's scrap value, which can be used for domestic shipbuilding projects.
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India and the European Union (EU) have launched an industry coalition to develop a green shipping corridor between the two markets, marking a significant step towards cleaner maritime trade and the adoption of low-emission fuels. The initiative was announced during the third edition of Sagar Manthan 2026 and aims to bring industry stakeholders together to advance greener maritime routes and supporting infrastructure. Shipping Secretary Vijay Kumar said the coalition would help translate cooperation between India and the EU into practical industry partnerships focused on cleaner maritime operations. The initiative comes at a time when the global shipping sector is navigating geopolitical disruptions, supply-chain vulnerabilities, climate pressures and rapid technological changes. The coalition is expected to provide a platform for companies and other stakeholders to collaborate on the development of green shipping infrastructure, alternative fuels and lower-emission maritime trade routes. Greater international cooperation and private investment will be critical to building resilient maritime supply chains while enabling emerging economies to participate in the global transition towards cleaner energy. As part of its broader maritime decarbonisation strategy, India is also targeting a substantial increase in renewable energy use at its major ports. The country plans to raise the share of renewable energy in the overall energy consumption of major ports to more than 60% by 2030 and above 90% by 2047. The transition is also extending to harbour craft. Diesel-powered harbour tugs are being progressively replaced with green-powered vessels, while Deendayal Port at Kandla, Paradip Port and V.O. Chidambaranar Port at Tuticorin have been identified as green hydrogen hubs. These ports are being positioned to support the production, storage and bunkering of cleaner fuels, including green hydrogen. The green shipping corridor initiative also aligns with India's wider plans to expand maritime infrastructure and capacity. The government is targeting total port capacity of 10 billion tonnes annually by 2047. Major ports handled more than 915 million tonnes of cargo in 2025-26, compared with 581 million tonnes in 2014-15. Cargo transported through national waterways has also increased substantially, reaching 218 million tonnes from 18 million tonnes in 2013-14. The India-EU green shipping corridor could therefore serve as a framework for aligning cleaner fuels, port infrastructure, vessel operations and international trade. By bringing industry participation into the decarbonisation process, the coalition could help accelerate investment and create commercially viable pathways for lower-emission shipping between India and Europe. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
India’s maritime sector is entering a new phase of transformation, with the focus shifting from policy formulation to effective implementation, technology adoption and measurable outcomes. The message emerged prominently during discussions around the country’s evolving maritime strategy, highlighting the need to translate long-term policy objectives into operational capabilities. The transition reflects a broader effort to strengthen India’s maritime ecosystem through coordinated action across infrastructure, institutions, technology, skills and processes. With a comprehensive policy framework and long-term maritime vision already in place, the emphasis is increasingly on execution supported by clearly defined targets and measurable key performance indicators (KPIs). Technology is emerging as a critical enabler of this shift. Digital systems, data-driven decision-making, research, innovation and entrepreneurship are expected to connect policy intent with implementation and ultimately deliver tangible improvements across maritime operations. The approach also underscores the importance of developing skilled human capital capable of supporting a technology-led and increasingly sustainable maritime industry. India’s maritime transformation is also being reflected at the operational level. Ports are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence and digital technologies to improve efficiency, resilience, safety and competitiveness. Recent industry discussions have highlighted the potential of AI-enabled systems to support predictive operations, integrated data management and smarter decision-making across ports. The shift from policy to practice is therefore becoming a defining feature of India’s maritime development agenda. Rather than measuring progress solely through policies and infrastructure creation, the sector is moving towards evaluating outcomes through operational performance, technology deployment, institutional coordination and workforce capability. As India pursues its ambition of becoming a globally competitive maritime power, effective implementation will remain central to translating strategic objectives into real-world outcomes. The emerging approach positions technology, innovation and execution as key pillars of India’s maritime transformation. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Chennai Port Authority has sought government approval for a ₹17,000 crore outer harbour project that will add 5 million TEUs of container capacity in two phases. The project is proposed to be developed through a hybrid public-private model, with marine works such as breakwater construction, dredging and reclamation planned under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) at an estimated cost of ₹7,000 crore. Container terminals will be developed through a DBFOT concession with private investment. The first phase is planned with an 18-metre draft, followed by a second phase with a 21-metre draft, enabling the facility to handle larger vessels and additional transhipment cargo. The proposal comes as Chennai’s existing container terminals face capacity constraints, while the port’s location within the city limits limits further expansion of current facilities. The outer harbour is expected to support gateway cargo from Tamil Nadu’s manufacturing and export sectors while strengthening Chennai’s role in east coast transhipment. Subject to approval, the project could be awarded by mid-to-late 2027, with construction expected to begin in 2028 and container operations targeted for 2033. The outer harbour is also expected to include berths supporting the requirements of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates
