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.
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.
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.
Maharashtra plans to enhance its maritime economy by developing six major shipyard clusters along its coast, targeting investments over Rs. 6,600 crore and creating 40,000 jobs by 2030. Spearheaded by the Maharashtra Maritime Board, this initiative includes site identification for clusters like Nandgaon and Dighi, with adherence to global best practices.
Coastal communities and green innovators in the UK will receive a £30 million boost to enhance sea travel and foster economic growth through green maritime technologies. Announced by Maritime Minister Mike Kane, this funding supports sustainable maritime solutions, aiming to reduce environmental impact and stimulate job creation in the sector.
The Maritime Financing Summit 2025, held in New Delhi, brought together key stakeholders to explore innovative financial strategies for India’s maritime sector. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the country’s progress, citing reduced port turnaround times and increased container capacity. The summit aimed to strengthen partnerships and enhance India’s global maritime position.
Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T) plans to invest ₹1,000 crore to expand its shipbuilding complex in Katupalli, Tamil Nadu. The project aims to enhance production capacity, with a target of producing 50,000 tons and constructing 25 new ships annually. Development is set to begin in October, with completion expected in three years.
South Korea’s policy bank has significantly invested in Amogy, a clean power company innovating hydrogen fuel cells using ammonia. This technology decomposes ammonia into nitrogen and hydrogen, enabling zero emissions. With a recent $23 million funding boost, Amogy aims to enhance its market presence in Asia and develop green propulsion technologies.
DP World has announced a $2.5 billion investment to enhance its global logistics network by 2025. This includes major infrastructure projects in India, Africa, South America, and Europe, addressing the increasing demand for resilient supply chain solutions. Initiatives focus on expanding port capacity and multimodal connectivity to support global trade.
Norway is championing maritime decarbonization through innovative technologies, fostering job creation. The Enova program recently allocated $76 million for projects focused on hydrogen and ammonia as marine fuels. Minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen emphasized the need for Norway to lead in maritime transition, supporting various sustainable shipping initiatives.
During the 11th International Maritime Congress in Szczecin, Prime Minister Donald Tusk launched the Polish Sea program, aimed at revitalizing the maritime economy. The initiative focuses on attracting investments in Pomerania, enhancing shipbuilding and port infrastructure, and prioritizing Polish suppliers for key projects, including offshore wind farms and nuclear power.
In an effort to strengthen its shipbuilding industry, the Indian government is allocating over Rs 20,000 crore for the second phase of the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy. This includes establishing four new shipbuilding hubs in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, crucial for meeting domestic vessel demands.
DP World and Asian Terminal Inc. (ATI) have invested $100 million in significant upgrades at Manila South Harbor, enhancing its role as a vital trade hub. With a 25% increase in annual capacity to nearly two million TEUs, new STS cranes and plans for eco-friendly equipment highlight the region’s growth potential.
Adani Ports & SEZ Ltd plans a ₹13,000 crore investment to expand the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Seaport. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the project, with the second phase set for completion by 2028. The expansion will increase capacity from 1 million to 5 million TEUs, enhancing India’s maritime capabilities significantly.
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.
