Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Karan Adani inaugurated the second phase of the Vizhinjam Port expansion, a ₹16,000 crore project aimed at enhancing maritime capacity. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal attended, highlighting bipartisan support. Vizhinjam, already India’s fastest port to process one million TEUs, aspires to become a leading transshipment hub.
India’s maritime infrastructure has transformed significantly over the years, evolving from limited capacity to a national priority. With 12 major and over 200 non-major ports, the focus has shifted to enhancing trade and logistics. Additionally, ports now play a crucial role in national security, supporting both civilian and defense operations.
Morocco plans to unveil a new deepwater port on the Mediterranean by next year and another on the Atlantic by 2028, emulating the success of Tanger Med. Nador West Med will feature an LNG terminal and expansive industrial zones, while Dakhla aims to support heavy industries and green hydrogen production.
Cochin Port, Kerala’s second-largest port, is poised for a ₹10,000 crore upgrade, enhancing both the port and Cochin Shipyard. Key investments include ₹1,500 crore for the Vallarpadam Transhipment Terminal and ₹500 crore for an LNG bunkering facility, aiming to boost container handling and overall maritime capabilities in Kochi.
The Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCIL) has signed 22 MoUs worth Rs 176.45 billion during the India Maritime Week 2025. Collaborating with major ports and organizations, these agreements focus on dredging operations over the next five years, enhancing India’s maritime capabilities and aligning with the government’s Maritime India Vision 2030.
Researchers at the University of Southern Queensland are advancing sustainable maritime infrastructure to withstand Queensland’s harsh coastal conditions and severe weather. Co-lead Professor Allan Manalo emphasizes the urgent need to replace aging infrastructure. Collaborating with Wagners Composite Fibre Technologies, they are testing high-performance composites to enhance durability and promote low-carbon construction methods.
India’s maritime sector stands at a crucial juncture, with over 11,000 kilometers of coastline and vital port infrastructure. Despite handling 95% of trade by volume through maritime channels, its global shipping tonnage share remains under 2%. To modernize and expand, an investment of USD 885-940 billion is essential by 2047.
Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), a prominent defence public sector company in Visakhapatnam for 85 years, plans to establish its first satellite shipyard in Andhra Pradesh. Potential locations include Mulapeta and Kakinada port. This expansion aims to enhance India’s maritime infrastructure and support HSL’s transition towards profitable defence and commercial ventures.
India and UAE have entered a transformative phase in bilateral relations, signing eight strategic agreements to foster a sustainable, innovation-driven future. This milestone, marked by Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed’s visit, emphasizes collaboration in green logistics, healthcare, and education, paving the way for a climate-resilient, tech-integrated trade ecosystem.
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.
Windward has launched a new AI-powered solution, Critical Maritime Infrastructure Protection, to safeguard key maritime infrastructure from various threats. By monitoring high-risk vessels, the system can detect suspicious activities in real-time, offering proactive alerts to prevent potential risks. This tool addresses the growing concerns of attacks on offshore oil rigs and research operations.
India is gearing up to boost its maritime capacity significantly, aiming to expand port capacity to 10,000 million tonnes per annum by 2047. This ambitious initiative, announced by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, highlights India’s goal to become a global shipping hub. The move underscores the country’s commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities.
Tamil Nadu is strategically positioning itself as a global manufacturing hub by expanding its maritime infrastructure. The opening of the Chennai-Vladivostok maritime corridor highlights the state’s commitment to developing its ports, with plans for a greenfield port at Cuddalore. This effort aims to boost exports and imports, utilizing coastal shipping to reduce transportation costs significantly.
