Adani Krishnapatnam Port Limited (AKPL) celebrated the 62nd National Maritime Day with the theme ‘Samriddh Sagar – Viksit Bharat Yevam Neel Arth Aur Harit Vikas Ke Liye Yuva’, highlighting the role of youth in India’s maritime sector. The event brought together employees, stakeholders, and industry players to promote sustainable growth and collaboration in the maritime industry.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the significance of India’s maritime sector and ports in driving the country’s progress and prosperity. Despite neglect in the past, significant milestones have been achieved in the last decade. The government is committed to further strengthening the maritime ecosystem through initiatives like doubling cargo handling capacity, promoting coastal shipping, and developing inland waterways.
National Maritime Day on April 5 commemorates the 1919 voyage of SS Loyalty, marking India’s independence in the maritime industry. It honors senior officers and industry leaders for their contributions to global trade. The maritime industry, crucial for the global economy, transports goods internationally. India’s extensive coastline and ports position it as a leading maritime trading nation.
The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal is a groundbreaking project praised by Minister Sonowal for honoring India’s maritime history and guiding future generations. With a focus on sustainability and global partnerships, the complex represents a blend of legacy and progress, showcasing India’s commitment to heritage and advancement on a global scale.
Kochi Water Metro Ltd (KWML) is close to completing two new terminals at Kadamakudy and Pizhala. These terminals will improve transportation options for residents by connecting them to major city centers. The development is expected to boost tourism in the area and enhance overall economic growth.
In a recent meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Thailand’s Paetongtarn Shinawatra, India and Thailand solidified their bilateral relationship through strategic partnerships. Agreements were signed to enhance cooperation in digital technologies, maritime heritage, small industries, and aligning policies. The focus on crucial sectors like defense and security highlights the commitment to mutual growth and friendship.
The Andhra Pradesh state cabinet is considering a captive port in Anakapalle to enhance economic growth and logistics. AM/NS India plans to establish a steel plant with 24 million metric tonnes capacity and ₹1.47 lakh crore investment. The port project will create 17 berths and generate around 8,000 jobs, showcasing the region’s potential for industrial development.
The Indian government plans to sell a 4.83% stake in Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, aiming to divest its ownership in state-owned companies. The sale of 11.4 million shares at a floor price of 2,525 rupees per share is expected to attract investor interest and increase liquidity. This move reflects the government’s strategy to unlock value.
In FY25, Alang-Sosiya in Gujarat recycled only 113 ships, the lowest in a decade, with a Light Displacement Tonnage of 10.06199 lakhs. The decline is due to booming freight rates, as fleet owners choose to keep old ships. Despite this, there is potential for increased volumes in the future.
Indian maritime veteran Vijay D Chafekar has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery (ReCAAP) Information Sharing Centre in Singapore. With 37 years of experience, he aims to continue efforts in curbing piracy and sea robbery incidents in Asia through effective information sharing.
The Centre’s Sagarmala programme has completed 272 projects worth Rs. 1.41 lakh crores, increasing port capacity by 528 million tonnes per annum. Led by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the initiative aims to promote port-led development by utilizing India’s coastline for economic growth and community empowerment.
In the fiscal year 2024-25, DP World’s Container Terminal in Cochin set a new volume record, handling 834,665 TEUs with an 11% year-on-year growth. Various segments like transshipment, foreign exports, coastal exports, reefer volumes, and single-vessel transactions also achieved new records. The terminal plays a crucial role in regional trade in South and East India.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, announced plans for six harbor clusters in India. These clusters, including Cochin-Vizhinjam, Galathea South Bay, and Paradip, aim to boost capacity to over 500 MTPA by 2047. The focus is on infrastructural development under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision to meet future demands efficiently.
In the 2023-24 fiscal year, Paradip Port in India achieved a significant milestone by handling 145.38 million tons of freight, surpassing DEENDAYAL Port to become the country’s highest major port. This growth highlights the port’s increasing importance in the Indian maritime sector. Expansion projects are underway to meet growing demand and enhance capabilities.
The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced the construction of nine permanent inland water transport terminals and two Ro-Ro/Ro-passenger terminals on National Waterway-3. With investments of Rs 6,434 crore, the development of National Waterways (NWs) in the country is a key focus, attracting private sector investment for sustainable transportation.
