The forthcoming Coastal Shipping Bill and Merchant Shipping Bill are expected to boost coastal shipping, increase Indian ship ownership, and streamline business operations in India, according to Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister for Shipping and Ports. These legislations aim to bolster the maritime sector and drive economic growth by integrating coastal and inland waterways, enhancing ship ownership, promoting coastal security, and improving maritime training standards.
The vision for Indian maritime development by 2047 includes becoming a global leader in shipbuilding, ship repair, and ship recycling. To achieve this goal, India aims to be among the top five maritime nations by 2047, with a focus on modernizing ports, enhancing cargo handling capacity, and establishing world-class standards across all maritime verticals. Initiatives like the National Maritime Heritage Complex project in Lothal, Gujarat, exemplify India’s commitment to preserving maritime heritage and fostering international collaborations for maritime research and development.
Efforts to increase Indian-flagged vessels globally are underway through the creation of shipbuilding clusters in coastal states like Gujarat, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. The goal is to position India as one of the top shipbuilding nations by 2030 and among the top five by 2047. By promoting eco-friendly transportation through waterways and providing incentives for cargo transportation, India aims to reduce pollution, congestion, and costs associated with road and rail transport, thereby boosting the maritime industry’s competitiveness.
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