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India’s maritime sector received a boost in digitalisation and performance-driven governance this week with the launch of a new national port benchmarking framework and a series of technology-focused reforms aimed at improving efficiency across the shipping industry. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced these changes during the 37th Foundation Day celebrations of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Mumbai. He also recognized outstanding performers across India’s ports under the Sagar Aankalan Awards for FY 2024-25.
Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, received the award for top performance in container cargo handling for ports processing under 0.5 million TEUs annually. DPA Deputy Chairman Nilabhra Dasgupta accepted the award on behalf of the authority. A major highlight was the introduction of the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI), a new framework designed to measure and compare the operational effectiveness of Indian ports. Developed under the Sagar Aankalan initiative, the index aims to support the government's broader goals under PM Gati Shakti, Maritime India Vision 2030, and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
The LPPI assesses ports across various operational parameters, such as vessel turnaround time, cargo throughput, berth productivity, waiting times before berthing, idle berth time, and container dwell time. This framework considers both current performance and year-on-year improvements, encouraging ports to continually enhance their operations.
While addressing stakeholders, Sonowal mentioned that the new index would promote transparency and help Indian ports measure themselves against global standards. He stated that this initiative is focused on boosting India’s competitiveness in international logistics and maritime trade. The government also launched four digital platforms developed by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), aimed at streamlining administrative processes and improving services for stakeholders.
One notable achievement was a 24/7 grievance redressal system for seafarers integrated into the e-Navik platform. This system allows complaints to be submitted through multiple channels, including WhatsApp, a toll-free helpline, email, and the online portal. This makes it easier for Indian seafarers worldwide to access support. Describing this initiative as a vital welfare measure, the minister emphasized that maritime professionals often work in tough conditions far from home and need reliable support systems. He noted that the new framework reinforces India’s commitment to international maritime labor standards and the welfare of its seafaring workforce.
Additional digital reforms include the introduction of an online ship registration module via the e-Samudra platform, a dedicated system for managing certified medical practitioners for seafarers, and a unified portal for managing ship recycling credit benefits. The ship recycling initiative is part of a larger maritime development agenda announced in 2025. Under this plan, owners recycling vessels at compliant Indian facilities can receive credit notes worth 40 percent of a vessel's scrap value, which can be used for domestic shipbuilding projects.
For more such news and updates, visit CARGOCONNECT.
India’s maritime sector received a boost in digitalisation and performance-driven governance this week with the launch of a new national port benchmarking framework and a series of technology-focused reforms aimed at improving efficiency across the shipping industry. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced these changes during the 37th Foundation Day celebrations of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Mumbai. He also recognized outstanding performers across India’s ports under the Sagar Aankalan Awards for FY 2024-25. Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, received the award for top performance in container cargo handling for ports processing under 0.5 million TEUs annually. DPA Deputy Chairman Nilabhra Dasgupta accepted the award on behalf of the authority. A major highlight was the introduction of the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI), a new framework designed to measure and compare the operational effectiveness of Indian ports. Developed under the Sagar Aankalan initiative, the index aims to support the government's broader goals under PM Gati Shakti, Maritime India Vision 2030, and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The LPPI assesses ports across various operational parameters, such as vessel turnaround time, cargo throughput, berth productivity, waiting times before berthing, idle berth time, and container dwell time. This framework considers both current performance and year-on-year improvements, encouraging ports to continually enhance their operations. While addressing stakeholders, Sonowal mentioned that the new index would promote transparency and help Indian ports measure themselves against global standards. He stated that this initiative is focused on boosting India’s competitiveness in international logistics and maritime trade. The government also launched four digital platforms developed by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), aimed at streamlining administrative processes and improving services for stakeholders. One notable achievement was a 24/7 grievance redressal system for seafarers integrated into the e-Navik platform. This system allows complaints to be submitted through multiple channels, including WhatsApp, a toll-free helpline, email, and the online portal. This makes it easier for Indian seafarers worldwide to access support. Describing this initiative as a vital welfare measure, the minister emphasized that maritime professionals often work in tough conditions far from home and need reliable support systems. He noted that the new framework reinforces India’s commitment to international maritime labor standards and the welfare of its seafaring workforce. Additional digital reforms include the introduction of an online ship registration module via the e-Samudra platform, a dedicated system for managing certified medical practitioners for seafarers, and a unified portal for managing ship recycling credit benefits. The ship recycling initiative is part of a larger maritime development agenda announced in 2025. Under this plan, owners recycling vessels at compliant Indian facilities can receive credit notes worth 40 percent of a vessel's scrap value, which can be used for domestic shipbuilding projects. For more such news and updates, visit CARGOCONNECT.
India’s maritime financing landscape is poised for a significant milestone as Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) is set to launch the country’s first-ever blue bond, marking a new chapter in sustainable financing for the maritime and coastal infrastructure sectors. The proposed issuance is expected to raise up to ₹1,000 crore, including a greenshoe option of ₹500 crore, according to company officials. The initiative is aimed at diversifying funding sources while supporting projects linked to ports, coastal infrastructure, inland waterways and other ocean-based economic activities. The move also aligns with India’s broader vision of strengthening the blue economy through environmentally responsible investments. Blue bonds are a specialised category of debt instruments designed to finance projects that promote the sustainable use of marine and water resources. While green bonds have gained considerable traction globally in recent years, blue bonds remain a relatively niche segment of the sustainable finance market. According to World Bank estimates, global blue bond issuances crossed $15 billion by mid-2025, highlighting growing investor interest in ocean-focused development initiatives. For SMFCL, the proposed bond issue represents more than just a fundraising exercise. The maritime-focused non-banking financial company is seeking to secure longer-tenure funding to better match the duration of the loans it extends to infrastructure projects. Industry estimates indicate that while the company’s existing borrowings carry an average tenor of around 3.5 years, the loans it disburses typically extend to nearly 12 years. The blue bond is therefore expected to help reduce asset-liability mismatches and strengthen the institution’s long-term lending capabilities. Established under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, SMFCL has emerged as India’s first dedicated maritime-sector NBFC. Since commencing lending operations, the institution has focused on addressing financing gaps across strategic maritime segments, including port development, shipbuilding, logistics infrastructure and coastal connectivity projects. The company received its NBFC licence in 2025 and has since positioned itself as a key financial enabler for India’s port-led development strategy. The upcoming blue bond issue is expected to complement the company’s broader capital-raising plans. SMFCL has previously indicated its intention to mobilise as much as ₹10,000 crore during FY27 through a combination of bonds, term loans and overseas borrowings to support the expansion of India’s maritime ecosystem. Funding will be channelled towards greenfield and brownfield port projects, shipbuilding facilities, inland waterways, multimodal logistics networks and last-mile connectivity infrastructure. Industry experts view the proposed issuance as a potential catalyst for the development of India’s blue finance market. If successful, the bond could pave the way for other infrastructure and financial institutions to tap sustainable debt instruments dedicated to marine conservation and ocean-linked economic growth, reinforcing India’s ambitions to become a leading maritime nation while advancing environmental stewardship. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 https://cargoconnect.co.in/ 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Udupi Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (UCSL) has recorded a series of operational milestones, including fresh vessel orders, the delivery of a pollution control vessel, and progress across multiple shipbuilding projects, as the company expands its presence in India’s commercial and defence shipbuilding sectors. The shipyard recently signed contracts for the construction of two harbour tugs for Ocean Sparkle Ltd., strengthening its order pipeline in the port support vessel segment. The tugs are expected to support marine operations at Indian ports, where demand for modern auxiliary vessels has been increasing alongside cargo traffic growth. In another development, UCSL delivered a pollution control vessel to the Indian Coast Guard, marking a key addition to the country’s maritime environmental response capabilities. The vessel has been designed to assist in oil spill management and marine pollution control operations in coastal waters. The company is also progressing with the construction of six cargo vessels being built for a European client. Production activity on these vessels is advancing at the shipyard’s Karnataka facility, with work underway across hull fabrication and assembly stages. Alongside commercial projects, UCSL continues work on a series of amphibious vessels being developed for the Indian Navy. The programme forms part of India’s broader push to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing and reduce dependence on imported naval platforms. Industry observers say the recent order wins and vessel deliveries reflect growing activity in India’s shipbuilding sector, supported by rising coastal trade, port modernisation and increased investment in maritime infrastructure. The shipyard, a subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited, has been expanding its production capabilities to cater to both domestic and international markets, particularly in specialised vessel categories such as harbour tugs, defence platforms and environmentally compliant marine vessels. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
