Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the India Maritime Week 2025 on October 27 in Mumbai. This five-day event, themed “Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision,” aims to position India as a global maritime hub. Over 100,000 delegates from more than 85 countries are expected, highlighting international interest in India’s maritime sector.
India’s maritime sector has seen remarkable growth in the last decade, particularly in ports, coastal shipping, and inland waterways. This aligns with the Maritime India Vision 2030, enhancing infrastructure and economic development. The surge in cargo capacities and efficient transport highlights India’s strategic focus on maritime trade, boosting global competitiveness.
Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) has launched the final two Fast Patrol Vessels for the Indian Coast Guard, completing an eight-ship series. Each vessel, weighing around 320 tonnes, features over 65% indigenous components, showcasing GSL’s commitment to self-reliance in defense. The shipyard aims to expand its offerings with new projects ahead.
Global shipping leaders MSC and Maersk are reflagging vessels to the Indian register, following CMA CGM’s lead. This move leverages India’s cabotage laws, enhancing coastal trade. With plans to construct containerships in India, it aligns with the government’s Maritime India Vision 2030, aimed at modernizing maritime infrastructure and attracting investment.
Goa is urged to establish a maritime board to drive its shipbuilding industry, promote sustainable technologies, and strengthen public-private partnerships. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) report forecasts significant growth, projecting the sector’s value to rise from ₹22,865 crore in FY24 to ₹64,058 crore by FY37.
Global shipping companies are increasingly re-registering their vessels under the Indian flag, a trend accelerated since April. This shift follows the simplification of shipping regulations and the introduction of the Coastal Shipping Act 2025, enhancing operations along India’s extensive coastline and boosting confidence in the nation’s maritime administration.
Neiox Eco Cycle has secured a ₹75 lakh prototyping grant from Cochin Shipyard Ltd under the USHUS Maritime Innovation Scheme. This funding, awarded at IIM-Kozhikode, will support the development of a sustainable, non-toxic marine hull coating that enhances fuel efficiency and protects marine ecosystems, showcasing Kerala’s commitment to sustainable innovation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s strong industrial base and the ‘Make in India’ initiative, emphasizing a $8 billion investment to revitalize shipbuilding and maritime sectors. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal noted a pivotal shift towards zero-carbon vessels, positioning India to lead in the global transition to green shipping.
India is enhancing its maritime capabilities by establishing a nationwide inland ship repair network. This initiative aims to develop inland waterways, improve vessel maintenance, and boost operational efficiency. By reducing reliance on external facilities, India promotes self-sufficiency, creates jobs, and supports sustainable transport, marking a significant step in economic growth.
During the upcoming India Maritime Week in Mumbai, the Odisha government plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding for a cruise terminal in Puri. P L Haranadh, chairman of the Paradip Port Authority, noted that this initiative will expand to Paradip in the next two to three years, enhancing maritime development.
After an initial setback, the Deendayal Port Authority in Gujarat is revising its shipbuilding plans, shifting focus from Very Large Crude Carriers to medium-sized vessels like Panamax and Handymax ships. This change comes as part of a broader strategy to attract private investors and align with India’s shipbuilding revitalization efforts.
The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) has inaugurated its India Branch in Bhubaneswar, marking a pivotal moment for maritime collaboration between India and the UK. The event highlighted India’s ambition to enhance its maritime capabilities, with a focus on training and innovation under the Maritime India Vision 2030.
The Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) has announced a Rs 2,000 crore investment to acquire two Trailer Suction Hopper Dredgers from Cochin Shipyard Limited. This comes with the inauguration of the ‘DCI Dredge Godavari,’ India’s largest TSHD, enhancing capabilities in port deepening and land reclamation, aiming for over 100 million cubic meters in operations.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has begun constructing a state-of-the-art Acoustic Research Ship for the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory under DRDO. The keel-laying ceremony featured Dr. Sameer V. Kamat, DRDO Chairman. This advanced vessel will aid in acoustic and oceanographic research, enhancing GRSE’s collaboration with the Indian Navy.
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is poised to launch three advanced vessels, showcasing its expertise in naval defence and sustainability. Notable among them is the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft for the Indian Navy, alongside a Hybrid Electric Methanol-Ready Commissioning Service Operation Vessel and the DCI Dredge Godavari, India’s largest dredger.
