Business News | Shipping Ministry Sets Goal to Complete 150 Projects by September 2025
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) recently organized a significant event, the ‘Chintan Shivir, 2025’, in Srinagar, aiming to evaluate and implement strategic solutions to enhance India’s Blue Economy. The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, took the opportunity to review ongoing projects valued at Rs 2 trillion and set an ambitious target of completing 150 projects by September 2025.
The focus of the two-day Chintan Shivir was to strengthen India’s shipbuilding and repair capabilities, improve financial and digital solutions for maritime infrastructure, and promote a greener, more sustainable shipping industry. These efforts are aligned with the goals outlined in the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047.
Major announcements at the Chintan Shivir included the identification of 150 initiatives/projects to be completed within the next six months, with a target deadline of September 6, 2025.
The Union Minister reaffirmed India’s aspiration to join the ranks of the top 5 shipbuilding nations by 2047, marking a significant increase in shipbuilding capacity, with an additional 4 million Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT). Policies and skill development initiatives will be formulated to support this expansion, in conjunction with collaborations with State governments.
Notable commitments include the establishment of the Bharat Container Shipping Line under the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI). Furthermore, all major ports are mandated to initiate tenders for at least one Green Tug within the next three months as part of the Harbour Craft Green Transition Programme, which aims to speed up the adoption of clean energy solutions across Indian ports.
To enhance coastal shipping, a Coastal Green Shipping Corridor, beginning with the Kandla-Tuticorin route, will be developed. This initiative involves collaboration with SCI, Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), and V. O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VoCPA).
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) plans to inject Rs 100 crore into three National Waterways in Jammu and Kashmir. This investment seeks to boost inland water transport and connectivity throughout the region.
March 2025 will mark the celebration of the Decade of the Sagarmala Vision. Additionally, the Sagarmala Startup and Innovation Initiative (S2I2) is set to launch, creating Maritime Innovation Hubs (MIHs) aimed at fostering sector-specific innovations.
India Ports Services Limited (IPSL) will emerge as a national platform to provide comprehensive end-to-end services to major ports, enhancing their operational efficiency and competitiveness. Another key development will see the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal begin commercial operations by April 2025.
The Sagarmala Digital Centre of Excellence (CoE) is set to be established in partnership with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), driving the digital transformation of the maritime sector.
Speaking at the occasion, Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the Indian government’s unwavering commitment to transforming the maritime sector. “Our commitment to transforming ports and waterways remains unwavering. Chintan Shivir 2025 is a crucial platform to set new benchmarks, review targets, and ensure that this sector continues to drive economic progress,” he remarked.
Sonowal highlighted the innovative programs being launched to enhance the sector’s efficiency, such as the Sagarmala Start Up Innovation Initiative, Harbour Craft Green Transition Program, and the Sagarmala Digital Centre of Excellence.
“We are aiming to expand the shipbuilding industry to be able to construct ships with an additional Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 4 million tons,” he added.
Another significant outcome of the Chintan Shivir 2025 was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the IWAI and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at boosting river cruise tourism in the State. This initiative promises to expand the economics and appeal of Jammu and Kashmir’s waterways, enhancing both tourism and local employment opportunities.
Infrastructure development for river transportation will be pursued with a Rs 100 crore investment in the Rivers Chenab (NW-26), Jhelum (NW-49), and Ravi (NW-84). This endeavor seeks to enhance tourism and stimulate economic growth in the region.
