India Launches Maritime Infrastructure Initiatives to Boost Trade and Sustainability

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, recently launched a series of initiatives by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) aimed at modernizing India’s maritime infrastructure, enhancing global trade presence, and promoting sustainability. These initiatives were unveiled during a stakeholders meeting, where discussions revolved around the opportunities presented in the Union Budget for the Maritime sector. One of the key initiatives introduced was the “Operational Norms Overhaul Process (ONOP)”, designed to standardize and streamline operations across India’s major ports. This move seeks to eliminate inconsistencies in documentation and processes that have previously caused inefficiencies, increased costs, and operational delays.

Another significant initiative launched by Sonowal was the “Sagar Ankalan – Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) for FY 2023-24”, which aims to boost efficiency and global competitiveness in India’s maritime sector. Additionally, the “Bharat Global Ports Consortium” was introduced to enhance India’s maritime reach and global trade resilience. The unveiling of the “MAITRI logo (Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface)” is aimed at simplifying trade processes, reducing bureaucratic redundancies, and expediting clearances to improve ease of doing business in India.

Aligned with the government’s PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and National Logistics Policy, Sagar Ankalan LPPI seeks to benchmark port performance, drive operational excellence, and enhance India’s trade connectivity. The LPPI evaluates major and non-major ports under Bulk (Dry & Liquid) and Container categories, using key performance indicators such as cargo handling, turnaround time, berth idle time, container dwell time, and ship berth-day output. By fostering efficiency and innovation, LPPI aims to elevate India’s ports to global standards, solidifying the country’s stature as a maritime leader and key player in international trade. India’s progress in global logistics is evident as the country has moved up to the 22nd position in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) for “International Shipments” in 2023, from 44th place previously.

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