Shipping Ministry's Strategic Roadmap for Vessel Expansion
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, under the leadership of Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, is formulating a roadmap to significantly enhance India's maritime capacity. The initiative aims to introduce 62 new vessels by March 2027 with an investment of ₹51,383 crore, adding an extra 2.85 million gross tonnage capacity.
High-Level Inter-Ministerial Review Meeting
- The meeting was chaired by Sarbananda Sonowal and attended by officials from:
- Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
- Various oil companies
- Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers
- Directorate General of Shipping
- National Shipping Board
- Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
Focus Areas for Expansion
Minister Sonowal highlighted the need for urgent expansion of India's shipping capacity to ensure resilience against external disruptions. Key areas include:
- Container vessels
- LPG and crude carriers
- Green tugs
- Dredging vessels and tankers
Operational Preparedness and Cargo Flow
- Review of current global maritime scenarios and their implications for trade routes.
- Evaluating cargo flows and vessel movements.
Joint Ventures and Strategic Initiatives
The ministry reviewed the status of a joint venture between the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) and oil public sector undertakings (PSUs) to acquire 59 vessels.
Policy and Coordination
- Sonowal directed the preparation of a white paper to address:
- Current gaps
- Clear targets
- A time-bound roadmap for the maritime sector
- Emphasized coordination with the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Chemicals and Fertilisers, and Commerce and Industry.
Safety and Security
The safety and security of Indian seafarers remain a priority, with instructions for agencies to maintain heightened vigilance in sensitive maritime zones.
