The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways held an Ambassadors’ Roundtable Meet in New Delhi, gathering envoys from 28 countries to prepare for India Maritime Week 2025. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized India’s goal of becoming a global maritime hub with a $1 trillion investment roadmap, focusing on sustainable shipping initiatives.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) forecasts significant growth in shipbuilding, fueled by strong defense procurement and government backing. The company recently delivered its 110th ship and secured the L1 bid for the ₹25,000-crore Corvette program, enhancing its order backlog and expanding ship repair operations and non-defense divisions.
The VOC Port in southern India has experienced remarkable growth in LPG handling, with a 40.01% increase in 2025–26. By July, it processed 133,520 tonnes, up from 95,364 tonnes last year. With significant upgrades in facilities, the port aims to accommodate larger vessels, enhancing efficiency to meet rising energy demands.
Vizhinjam port is projected to handle 1.3 to 1.4 million containers by December 2026, as announced by Minister V N Vasavan. Since its operations began on December 3, 2024, it has already processed over 1 million containers, significantly exceeding initial expectations and establishing itself as a key player in maritime trade.
The India Maritime Week will occur in Mumbai from October 27 to 31, drawing nearly 100,000 delegates from over 100 countries. Shipping Secretary T.K. Ramachandran emphasized the event’s goal of fostering dialogue and innovative, sustainable policies, with a target to create investment opportunities worth one lakh crore rupees.
On August 25, 2025, the Directorate General of Shipping celebrated its 75th anniversary in Mumbai with a Knowledge Sharing Conference. Experts discussed the future of maritime training under the theme “India Navigating Through T³: Training, Transition, Transformation.” Dr. Malini V. Shankar emphasized the importance of including women in maritime careers.
On August 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed India’s commitment to enhancing Fiji’s maritime security during a joint press conference. He emphasized defense cooperation, particularly in cybersecurity, and welcomed Fiji’s role in regional stability. Modi also announced plans for medical initiatives in Fiji, aiming to strengthen ties and promote community welfare.
The central government plans to unveil a ₹70,000-crore package to boost shipbuilding, repair, and port infrastructure by mid-September. This includes ₹20,000 crore for a shipping cluster program and a similar amount for the revamped Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Programme, aiming to attract investments and enhance maritime capabilities across several states.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced plans for a dedicated satellite to improve India’s maritime governance. Speaking on National Space Day, he stressed the importance of advanced solutions for port management and coastal infrastructure. This initiative aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, promoting self-reliance in technology and enhancing navigational safety.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority is collaborating with the state Maritime Board to establish a quarry spanning 100 hectares for the Vadhavan port project in Maharashtra. A government resolution permits a geo-technical survey in dense forest areas, but environmental activists warn of potential ecological damage and threats to local tribal communities.
During the Monsoon Session, India’s Parliament passed five landmark maritime legislations, the first major reform in over a century. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted that these laws, including the Bills of Lading and Merchant Shipping Bill, will modernize the maritime framework, boost the Blue Economy, and enhance global trade standards.
The central government has appointed Vijay Kumar, a 1992 IAS officer, as the new secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. Starting October 1, he will transition from his current role as chairman of the Waterways Authority of India, where he has advanced the country’s water transport network.
The Indian Directorate General of Shipping reports that fuel extraction from the MSC ELSA 3 wreck off Kerala’s coast is in a critical phase. Operations involve specialized divers using advanced technology to recover approximately 450 tons of fuel. Environmental monitoring continues as debris and plastic pollution impact local areas.
The Visakhapatnam Port Authority launched “Vizag Skill Sail 2025,” a conclave focused on maritime skill development and sustainable port innovations. The event gathered government officials, industry leaders, and academics to explore opportunities in entrepreneurship and eco-friendly solutions. VPA aims to train 5,000 students annually, contributing to India’s Vision 2047.
The Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board has signed a ₹9,000 crore MoU with APM Terminals for developing ports in Ramayapatnam, Machilipatnam, and Mulapeta. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu envisions these ports as key to making Andhra Pradesh the “eastern gateway” for trade, enhancing logistics and connectivity across multiple transportation modes.
