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India’s maritime regulator has outlined an eight-pillar roadmap aimed at steering the country’s shipping sector toward net-zero emissions, with a focus on cleaner fuels, sustainable port operations, green financing, workforce development and environmentally responsible ship recycling.
Speaking on World Ocean Day, Director General of Shipping Shyam Jagannathan said the framework is designed to support the decarbonisation of a sector that handles the vast majority of India’s international trade while aligning with the country’s long-term economic and environmental objectives.
The roadmap forms part of the Directorate General of Shipping’s National Maritime Decarbonisation Policy Framework and centres on five broad themes: green shipping and ports, sustainable ship recycling, green finance and technology, human capital development, and waste management.
On ship recycling, India intends to align its practices with the standards of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships. Authorities also plan to expand the use of digital platforms and improve access to capital for green maritime projects.
The roadmap places significant emphasis on workforce development. India currently accounts for around 16.5% of the global seafaring workforce, and policymakers aim to increase that share beyond 20% over time through training and skill development initiatives.
Jagannathan linked the maritime transition agenda to the government’s broader Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, highlighting the growing importance of the blue economy. He noted that maritime and ocean-based sectors contribute roughly 4% of India’s GDP and are expected to play a larger role in supporting long-term economic growth.
Beyond shipping, the strategy identifies opportunities in cruise tourism, coastal shipping, aquaculture, marine biotechnology and deep-sea resource development. India’s coastline, stretching approximately 11,000 kilometres, is expected to remain central to these growth plans.
The policy push is also accompanied by a wider legislative agenda. Proposed reforms include amendments to the Merchant Shipping Act, a new Coastal Shipping Act focused on domestic maritime transport and feeder services, and changes to the Indian Ports Act aimed at encouraging greater private-sector participation and modern port governance models.
Addressing environmental concerns, Jagannathan stressed the need to tackle pollution entering marine ecosystems through rivers, including microplastics, untreated sewage and industrial discharge. He reiterated India’s commitment to global climate and ocean sustainability goals while calling for transparent international funding mechanisms that support developing economies during the maritime energy transition.
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Thiruvananthapuram: Vizhinjam International Seaport has officially commenced full-scale Export-Import (EXIM) operations, opening a direct maritime gateway for cargo from South India to global markets. The launch was marked by the flag-off of the port’s first commercial export consignment to Valencia, Spain. The shipment, comprising frozen traditional food products from Thiruvananthapuram-based Nilamel Exporters, highlights the potential for the port to reduce transit times for exporters by eliminating overseas transhipment points. According to the port, shipments to European markets that previously took nearly 60 days could now reach their destinations in around 24 days by avoiding transhipment through hubs such as Colombo, Singapore and Dubai. The commencement of direct EXIM services marks a significant expansion of Vizhinjam’s role, positioning it not only as a transhipment facility but also as a gateway for inbound and outbound international cargo from the region. Ashwani Gupta, CEO and Director, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), said the company plans to invest an additional ₹16,000 crore to expand the port’s container-handling capacity from 1.6 million TEUs to 5.7 million TEUs. The expanded capacity is expected to strengthen Vizhinjam’s position as a major container hub in the Indian Ocean region as cargo volumes increase. The direct EXIM connectivity is also expected to benefit exporters across Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka by reducing transhipment-related costs and shortening supply chain turnaround times. Key commodities from the region include spices, cashew, marine products, handlooms and manufactured goods. Vizhinjam’s location further supports its role as an international gateway. The port has a natural depth of around 20–24 metres and is located approximately 10 nautical miles from the major east-west international shipping route, allowing it to accommodate large container vessels with limited dredging requirements. The port also uses an automated container-handling system supported by artificial intelligence and algorithm-driven operations, aimed at improving cargo-handling efficiency and safety. With direct EXIM operations now underway and a major capacity expansion planned, Vizhinjam is emerging as an important addition to India’s maritime infrastructure and its efforts to connect domestic exporters more directly with global trade routes. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such news
AHMEDABAD - Decisive policy updates are approaching for India's maritime sector as the initial 30-year concession periods for Gujarat’s premier private ports near completion without a formal state extension policy in place. The Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) agreements for Gujarat's first generation of private ports which helped turn the state into India's largest maritime portalare entering their final years: APM Terminals Pipavav: Concession signed in 1998 ends on September 29, 2028. Mundra Port (APSEZ): Concession ends on February 16, 2031. Policy Uncertainty Hits Investment Commitments Despite repeated extension requests submitted by APM Terminals Pipavav (in 2011 and 2021) and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) (in 2015 and 2021), the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) has yet to announce a formal policy framework. GMB officials noted that discussions are ongoing and Union government approval has been sought, but no final decisions have been published. This lack of visibility creates hesitation around committing long-term capital. For example, APM Terminals Pipavav signed a non-binding ₹17,000-crore investment memorandum with the state government in late 2025, but explicitly indicated that major outlays depend on securing concession extension clarity. Evolving Concession Landscape While Gujarat’s original 1997 framework set a 30-year limit, neighboring maritime states have increasingly adopted longer operational horizons: Andhra Pradesh (Gangavaram & Krishnapatnam): 30-year initial period with potential 20-year extensions (50 years total). Kerala (Vizhinjam): 40-year initial period with 20-year extension provisions (60 years total). Odisha (Dhamra): 34-year initial concession period including construction. Recent decisions by Gujarat signal a shift toward alignment with these longer tenures. The state's updated shipbuilding policy extended waterfront concessions to up to 50 years. Additionally, GMB announced that six upcoming greenfield ports along the coastline will offer flexible BOOT concession terms ranging between 30 and 50 years. How the state resolves the extension of its flagship ports will serve as a crucial benchmark for private infrastructure partnerships nationwide. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates
Italian shipping company Ignazio Messina & C. has launched the Red Sea Express Line, expanding its India–Red Sea service network to increase sailing frequency and cargo capacity on a trade corridor that connects India with the Gulf and Saudi Arabia. The new service is scheduled to begin operations from Nhava Sheva on 27 August 2026. The Red Sea Express will operate alongside the company's existing Jolly Line service, providing additional departures and greater schedule flexibility for cargo moving between the Indian subcontinent and the Red Sea region. The move comes as shipping lines continue to strengthen service offerings on regional trade lanes amid growing demand for reliable connections. To support the new service, Ignazio Messina has deployed the MV Berham Box, a vessel dedicated exclusively to the Red Sea Express route. The service will follow a rotation of Nhava Sheva – Sohar – Jeddah – Nhava Sheva, operating on a 20-day frequency. The route is expected to provide regular connectivity between India, Oman and Saudi Arabia, supporting the movement of containerised cargo as well as industrial equipment, machinery and project cargo. Increased sailing options are also expected to improve supply chain planning for exporters and importers serving the region. The launch strengthens Ignazio Messina's presence in the Indian Ocean–Red Sea corridor, a market that has seen sustained demand for dependable shipping services. By adding capacity and dedicated vessel deployment, the carrier aims to improve network resilience while expanding its regional liner service portfolio. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
