India Maritime 2025

Being a part of the world's busiest trade route elevates the economic prominence of India's maritime sector. About 95% of India's foreign trade and 70% its total trade in terms of value takes place through seaways. Today, India is home to 12 major ports, over 200 other ports, 30 shipyards and a comprehensive hub of diverse maritime service providers. India has one of the largest merchant shipping fleets among the developing countries and is ranked 20th in the world. India's maritime sector is poised for a significant transformation following the unveiling of a comprehensive roadmap at last year's Global Maritime India Summit organised by Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways with FICCI as the Industry partner. India is strategically located on the world's shipping routes with a coastline of approximately 7,517 km. Maritime transport handles around 70 per cent of India's trading in value terms. During the last financial year, the country's major ports have demonstrated substantial enhancements in their crucial operational metrics. They have efficiently managed increased cargo volumes and expedited loading and unloading processes, resulting in quicker ship turnaround times. The substantial potential of the maritime sector can serve as a crucial driver in propelling the economic trajectory towards achieving a self-reliant India by 2047. The Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, outlined by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, expands upon the objectives set forth in the Maritime India Vision 2030. It strives to elevate ports to global standards while advancing inland water transport, coastal shipping, and sustainable practices within the maritime sector. The percentage of Indian seafarers in the global shipping industry is expected to rise to 20% within the next ten years.

Themes of India Maritime 2025

  • Building Ports for Tomorrow: Expediting the Transition to Smart, Secure & Sustainable Practices
  • Innovation and Emerging Technologies in the Maritime Sector
  • Maritime Sustainability: Accelerating Decarbonization of the Maritime Sector
  • Opportunities in Inland Waterways & Coastal Shipping
  • Current Trends in Shipping and Maritime Logistics
  • Opportunities in Cruise Tourism
  • Ship Building & Ship Repair: Future Trends and Technologies
  • The Seafarer Opportunity

Key Factors Driving India's Maritime Expansion

  • Focus on clean energy fuels: Establishing Hydrogen and Alternative Fuel Centres
  • Increased trade & private participation in port infra development
  • Cruise shipping potential expected to grow.
  • Comprehensive plan to achieve a 10,000 MTPA port capacity by 2047.
  • Development of mega ports, shipbuilding and ship-repairing infrastructure
  • Increase in cargo traffic and reduced ship turnaround time.
  • Development of existing and notified waterways.
  • Increasing private participation in port logistics services
  • Promoting lighthouse tourism
  • Global Hub for Green Ship' building by 2030.