By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, FEB 28, 2025: UNION Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched a series of major initiatives of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) aimed at modernising India's maritime infrastructure, strengthening its global trade presence, and to promote sustainability. These initiatives were launched during a stakeholder meeting in Mumbai today to discuss on various possibilities from the major announcements made in the Union Budget for the maritime sector.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched the 'One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP)' an initiative to standardise and streamline operations across India's major ports. The step aims at removing inconsistencies in documentation and processes that led to inefficiencies, increased costs, and operational delays.

Sarbananda Sonowal also launched Sagar Ankalan - the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) for FY 2023-24, as a significant step towards enhancing efficiency and global competitiveness in India's maritime sector.

Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said, "It gives me immense pleasure to launch important initiatives of our Ministry which are aligned with Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi ji's vision of Viksit Bharat, driving self-reliance, sustainability, and economic growth. With the launch of 'One Nation - One Port' Process and Sagar Ankalan - LPPI Index, India is taking a decisive step towards standardised, efficient, and globally competitive ports. By enhancing port performance and streamlining logistics, we are reducing inefficiencies, cutting carbon footprints, and strengthening India's position in global trade. Our commitment to modern, green, and smart port infrastructure will not only fuel economic resilience but also ensure a sustainable maritime future for generations to come. This is a transformative leap towards making India a maritime powerhouse, contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat and a developed India by 2047."

Sarbananda Sonowal also launched Bharat Global Ports Consortium to Strengthen global trade by expanding India's maritime reach and enhance global trade resilience; and MAITRI logo (Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface) with an aim to streamline trade processes, reduce bureaucratic redundancies and expedite clearances, reinforcing India's commitment to ease of doing business.

Adding further, Sonowal said, "The launch of Bharat Ports Global Consortium and MAITRI App marks a transformative step in strengthening India's maritime and trade ecosystem. These initiatives will sustain the initiatives taken since 2014, under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, to enhance efficiency, streamline trade processes, and bolster global supply chains, reinforcing India's position as a key player in international logistics. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, India is rapidly modernising its ports and trade infrastructure, aligning with his commitment to Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat. By leveraging digital innovation and global partnerships, we are creating a seamless, efficient, and future-ready trade network, accelerating India's journey towards becoming a global economic powerhouse."

As Ports serve as critical gateways for international and domestic trade, this initiative aims to harmonise port procedures to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen India's global trade position. As a first step through ONOP process, the Ministry has standardised documentation with Immigration, the Port Health Organisation, and Port Authorities, reducing container operation documents by 33% (from 143 to 96) and bulk cargo documents by 29% (from 150 to 106). These reforms mark a significant step towards Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, ensuring transparency, consistency, and optimised port management. The Minister called for active stakeholder participation to maximise its impact and drive India's ports towards operational excellence on the global stage.

MAITRI plays a crucial role in operationalising the 'Virtual Trade Corridor'(VTC) between India and the UAE. The initiative aligns with the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and is expected to expand to BIMSTEC and ASEAN nations, leveraging AI and Blockchain for efficiency and security. By standardising trade documentation and integrating digital solutions, MAITRI will reduce processing time, optimise trade flows, and contribute to sustainable development. MAITRI is set to redefine international trade, positioning India as a leader in global logistics and trade facilitation.

Aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and the National Logistics Policy, Sagar Ankalan LPPI aims to benchmark port performance, drive operational excellence, and strengthen India's trade connectivity. Developed under the Sagar Aankalan guidelines, the LPPI evaluates all major and non-major ports under Bulk (Dry & Liquid) and Container categories. Key performance indicators include cargo handling, turnaround time, berth idle time, container dwell time, and ship berth-day output. The structured, data-driven methodology ensures transparency by equally weighing absolute performance and year-on-year improvement. By fostering a culture of efficiency and innovation, LPPI will drive India's ports toward global standards, reinforcing the nation's position as a maritime leader and a critical player in international trade. India has already made remarkable progress in global logistics, climbing to 22nd place in the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index (LPI) 2023 for "International Shipments," up from 44th.

By developing robust port infrastructure, the Bharat Global Ports Consortium initiative will streamline logistics, strengthen supply chains, and support the 'Make in India' initiative by boosting exports. Bringing together IPGL (operations), SDCL (finance), and IPRCL (infrastructure development), the consortium will drive port expansion, operations, and financing to position India as a key player in international trade and logistics. By focusing on efficiency, innovation, and global collaboration, the consortium aims to improve trade connectivity and enhance India's economic footprint. This initiative underscores India's commitment to maritime excellence and economic resilience on the global stage, maintained Sarbananda Sonowal during its launch.

The Union Minister also announced the India Maritime Week to be held from 27th to 31st of October, 2025 in Mumbai with a view to celebrate country's 'Maritime Virasat' and 'Maritime Vikaas' - a bi-annual global maritime gathering that will be one of the largest in the world. The week will host 4th edition of Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS), 2nd edition of Sagarmanthan among others. At the India Maritime Week, 'representation from 100 countries and 100,000 delegates are expected to participate', Sonowal said. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in partnership with the Observer Research Foundation, launched the 'Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue' as an annual dialogue to center-stage India as the global venue for all strategic maritime conversations.

The Maritime Stakeholders Meet focused on revitalising India's shipbuilding sector in light of recent budgetary announcements. Key discussions centered on increased financial assistance for Indian shipyards, the Ship Breaking Credit Note Scheme and its impact, along with capital infusion to develop new shipbuilding clusters, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing and global competitiveness. The Maritime Development Fund, the inclusion of large ships in the Infrastructure Harmonised Master List (HML), and the role of financial institutions and multilateral agencies in facilitating low-cost term financing were key focus areas. These measures aim to strengthen India's maritime sector by enhancing financial accessibility, boosting shipbuilding, and improving industry competitiveness.

On the budgetary announcements for maritime sector, the Union Minister said, "Under the visionary leadership of our Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, India is sailing towards a Viksit Bharat, ensuring that our ports, shipping, and waterways become the backbone of a thriving economy. The Union Budget 2025 has put the maritime sector at the forefront of India's growth story. The Rs.25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund is a game-changer. It will provide long-term financing, encourage private investment, and modernize our port and shipping infrastructure. The recognition of LARGE ships as infrastructure will unlock new avenues for financing, making it easier for businesses to invest in shipbuilding and coastal trade. And let's not forget the revamped Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP 2.0)-this will level the playing field for our shipyards, helping them compete with global giants. The shipbuilding clusters-a vision we are actively pursuing - will not only make India a hub for ship construction but will also create thousands of jobs, bring in new technologies, and strengthen our global competitiveness. To further boost this industry, we have extended customs duty exemptions on shipbuilding inputs for another 10 years. In order to propel our rich riverine network, the extension of the tonnage tax regime to inland vessels is a major step in making river transport more attractive and viable for businesses. With the collaborative approach, we can revolutionize logistics, reduce freight costs, and create an eco-friendly alternative to road and rail transport."

The Union Minister also launched the National Centre of Excellence in Green Port and Shipping (NCoEGPS) website. It is a significant milestone in advancing sustainability in the maritime sector. This platform will offer insights and best practices for green port and shipping operations, focusing on carbon footprint reduction, cleaner fuels, and eco-friendly port management to drive a more sustainable future.

In his concluding remarks, Sarbananda Sonowal said, "India's Blue Economy is not just about ships and ports-it's about jobs, trade, sustainability, and economic growth. There is immense potential, and we are committed to ensuring that you have the right policies, the right financing, and the right environment to thrive. We are not just aiming to be a top 10 shipbuilding nation by 2030-we are aiming to create an ecosystem that is world-class, efficient, and future-ready. Let's capitalise this opportunity. Let's build, innovate, and collaborate. Together, we are not just shaping India's maritime future-we are shaping India's economic destiny."