The central government has appointed Vijay Kumar, a 1992 IAS officer, as the new secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. Starting October 1, he will transition from his current role as chairman of the Waterways Authority of India, where he has advanced the country’s water transport network.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is pushing to eliminate the 5% IGST on imported ships under the Indian flag to boost local tonnage. Domestic shipbuilders are concerned that this move could make imported ships more competitive, overshadowing locally-produced vessels. The Finance Ministry’s decision will impact the future of India’s maritime industry.
India is gearing up to strengthen its presence in the global merchant shipping sector by hosting the first-ever Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue in New Delhi. With representatives from over 60 countries expected to participate, the conference aims to showcase India’s growing role in international maritime affairs and trade.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways appointed Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker as their brand ambassador, leveraging her shooting prowess and maritime background. Minister Sonowal hailed Bhaker’s role in promoting India’s marine sector, aiming for self-reliance by 2047. The event honored women like Lt. Commander Joshi for their contributions to nation-building.
Under the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP), fairway development work was carried out to achieve the Least Available Depth (LAD). Additionally, new national waterways have been developed through feasibility studies and the operation of Ro-Ro/Ro-Pax vessels was inaugurated. Standard Operating Procedures and stakeholder consultations have been implemented to facilitate and improve inland waterway transport.
The Indian government has issued guidelines for pilot projects using green hydrogen in the shipping sector, part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways will implement projects to transition ships to use green hydrogen and develop bunkering facilities. The program has a total budget of Rs. 115 crores by FY 2025-26.
Sarbananda Sonowal is working to ensure that 100 percent of ships run on green fuel by 2047. India has made strides in river cruise tourism, with the MV Ganga Vilas providing a long and successful cruise. With increased investments and policy reforms, there has been a fivefold increase in freight on national waterways.
At the first meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council, Minister KG Kenye highlighted the implementation of the National Waterways 101 Tizu-Zungki Project in Nagaland. He emphasized the importance of inland waterways for a landlocked country like Nagaland and requested feasibility studies for other waterways in the region.
The proposed international transshipment port project on Great Nicobar Island has received interest from 11 stakeholders for an investment of over Rs 41,000 crore. The project will include an airport, a township, and a power plant and is expected to be fully operational by 2028. It will focus on strategic location and natural water depths to become a leading container transshipment port.
