Pratik Bijlani –
India has announced a sweeping set of 20 maritime reforms aimed at strengthening its shipping sector and significantly reducing logistics costs, marking a major step forward in its long-term maritime ambitions. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, the initiative focuses on enhancing efficiency, boosting domestic capacity, and positioning India as a competitive global maritime player.
A key highlight of the reforms is the proposed establishment of a dedicated maritime regulator, designed to streamline governance and ensure greater transparency across the sector. Alongside this, the government is pushing to increase the number of Indian-flagged vessels operating in international waters, thereby reducing dependence on foreign carriers and retaining more value within the domestic economy.
The reforms are closely aligned with broader national initiatives such as Sagarmala and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, both of which aim to transform India into a leading maritime hub. Central to this vision is a renewed focus on shipbuilding. The government plans to introduce fresh guidelines and develop dedicated shipbuilding clusters to strengthen domestic shipyards. Supporting this effort is a ₹25,000 crore financing facility, expected to enable Indian companies to expand and modernize their fleets.
Sustainability also forms a core pillar of the reform package. The government is actively promoting green shipping through initiatives such as green port guidelines, adoption of cleaner fuels including green hydrogen, and the deployment of eco-friendly harbor craft like green tugs. These measures are intended to align India’s maritime growth with global environmental standards.
In addition, operational efficiency at ports is set to improve through faster clearances, digital platforms, and simplified approval processes. Collectively, these steps aim to enhance ease of doing business, reduce turnaround times, and ultimately lower logistics costs. With a target to double the share of coastal shipping and inland waterways from 6% to 12% by 2047, India’s maritime sector is poised for a transformative journey.
Marex Media