Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, recently met with stakeholders in Mumbai to address seafarer security, safety, and welfare amid geopolitical tensions affecting the shipping industry. Emphasizing the government’s commitment, he discussed collaborative efforts to enhance protections for seafarers, crucial for global trade and maritime operations.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, reviewed the safety of Indian seafarers in conflict areas amid rising geopolitical tensions. He prioritized their welfare, emphasizing support from the Directorate General of Shipping and Indian Missions. Enhanced training and mental health resources were discussed to ensure comprehensive care for seafarers and their families.
India is positioning itself to meet the global demand for large ships, such as VLCCs and container vessels, under a ₹25,000 crore shipbuilding scheme. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted partnerships with South Korean firms and a ₹70,000-crore maritime development package to enhance shipbuilding capabilities and port infrastructure.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated 16 infrastructure projects and 113 CSR initiatives worth ₹1,500 crore during the New Mangalore Port Authority’s golden jubilee. This investment aligns with India’s Maritime Vision 2030 and aims to enhance maritime infrastructure. The NMPA, managing over 46 million tonnes of cargo annually, plans to double this capacity by 2047.
India’s maritime sector has transformed significantly over 11 years, with an expected Rs 80 lakh crore investment over the next 22 years. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced this during the Golden Jubilee of the New Mangalore Port, emphasizing the importance of maritime capabilities for a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced a plan to generate 50,000 jobs in the northeastern maritime sector over the next decade. The initiative includes training 5,000 youth annually at the Maritime Skill Development Centre in Guwahati, emphasizing the government’s commitment to empowering youth with world-class maritime skills aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will embark on a crucial five-day official trip to Norway and Denmark starting June 2. Leading a Team India delegation, he will attend a High-level Meeting on Oceans at the Nor-Shipping event, where he will inaugurate the ‘India Pavilion’ and promote the upcoming ‘India Maritime Week 2025’.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced an additional Rs 1,000 crore for inland waterways projects in Assam and the Northeast, aiming for completion by 2026. He emphasized the development of maritime skills for the local workforce and reviewed key infrastructure projects along the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers, enhancing regional transportation and tourism.
The Lok Sabha passed the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024 on March 28, 2025, to modernize provisions governing the carriage of goods by sea and simplify maritime regulations. The bill replaces the Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925, aligning with international conventions for bills of lading.
Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways in India, visited Tuas Port in Singapore during Singapore Maritime Week. PSA International welcomed the delegation and showcased advanced operations. This visit highlights the strong presence of PSA in India and the collaborative efforts between India and Singapore in the maritime sector.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is set to visit Singapore for three days to participate in the ‘Singapore Maritime Week’, aiming to strengthen maritime cooperation between India and Singapore. Scheduled meetings with Singaporean counterparts and top maritime leaders will focus on unlocking opportunities in the industry and navigating global trends.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced the manufacturing of a 1 MW electrolyzer by L&T for a green hydrogen plant at Kandla’s DEENDAYAL Port Authority. This project, part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, aims to establish Kandla as a green hydrogen hub, ultimately scaling capacity to 10 MW by 2025.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal stressed the importance of creating a favorable environment to attract private investment in the maritime sector. The government is focusing on infrastructure development and skilled manpower to make the sector more appealing to investors. Sonowal highlighted the advantages of cost-effective transportation and environmental friendliness in the maritime sector.
Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced that the Vadhvan port near Mumbai aims to position India among the top 10 container ports by 2034. Developed through a public-private partnership, the port will enhance cargo capacity and significantly contribute to GDP growth. Sonowal also discussed initiatives for green hydrogen hubs and domestic shipbuilding.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated projects worth nearly Rs 2,000 crores to boost capacity at India’s largest port, JNP. With plans to reach 10 million TEUs by 2027, developments like solar-powered boats and new terminals aim to increase efficiency and safety. Partnerships and investments are driving infrastructure growth, aligning with the government’s vision.
