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India has reaffirmed its growing influence in global maritime governance through an active and policy-driven participation at the 137th Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, held in London from July 6 to 10. The country's delegation engaged in key discussions on maritime safety, governance reforms, digitalisation, seafarer welfare and international cooperation, reinforcing India's commitment to shaping the future of global shipping.
Led by Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Maritime Administration, the Indian delegation advocated a balanced, consensus-based approach to reforms within the IMO. India stressed that any amendments to the organisation's rules should preserve its technical and collaborative character while ensuring greater transparency and consistency in maritime governance. The delegation also highlighted the need for contextual interpretation of audit outcomes under the IMO Member State Audit Scheme, cautioning against simplistic country rankings.
Seafarer welfare remained a key focus during the session. India called for stronger international collaboration to ensure timely repatriation, effective financial security mechanisms and improved implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention. The delegation showcased several digital initiatives, including the 24x7 e-Navik Seafarer Assistance Portal and an integrated crisis response framework designed to provide faster grievance redressal and support to Indian seafarers across the world.
On the sidelines of the Council meeting, the Indian delegation held high-level discussions with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and representatives from Kenya. The engagements focused on maritime digitalisation, global standards for seafarer welfare, capacity building, maritime education and stronger international partnerships.
India also highlighted its progress in digitising maritime administration through online certification systems, upgraded recruitment and training platforms and measures to curb fraudulent crewing practices. These initiatives are expected to enhance the global recognition and competitiveness of Indian seafarers while supporting efficient maritime compliance.
Addressing geopolitical concerns, India emphasised the importance of restoring peace and ensuring safe navigation through critical shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz. The delegation underlined that disruptions in strategic maritime corridors have significant implications for global supply chains, trade continuity and shipping costs, reiterating that dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective means of resolving regional conflicts.
India's constructive interventions at the 137th IMO Council underscore its emergence as a responsible maritime nation that is actively contributing to safer, greener and more resilient global shipping. For the logistics and supply chain industry, India's growing role at the IMO is expected to support stronger maritime governance, improved seafarer welfare and enhanced resilience across international trade networks.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
India and the European Union (EU) have launched an industry coalition to develop a green shipping corridor between the two markets, marking a significant step towards cleaner maritime trade and the adoption of low-emission fuels. The initiative was announced during the third edition of Sagar Manthan 2026 and aims to bring industry stakeholders together to advance greener maritime routes and supporting infrastructure. Shipping Secretary Vijay Kumar said the coalition would help translate cooperation between India and the EU into practical industry partnerships focused on cleaner maritime operations. The initiative comes at a time when the global shipping sector is navigating geopolitical disruptions, supply-chain vulnerabilities, climate pressures and rapid technological changes. The coalition is expected to provide a platform for companies and other stakeholders to collaborate on the development of green shipping infrastructure, alternative fuels and lower-emission maritime trade routes. Greater international cooperation and private investment will be critical to building resilient maritime supply chains while enabling emerging economies to participate in the global transition towards cleaner energy. As part of its broader maritime decarbonisation strategy, India is also targeting a substantial increase in renewable energy use at its major ports. The country plans to raise the share of renewable energy in the overall energy consumption of major ports to more than 60% by 2030 and above 90% by 2047. The transition is also extending to harbour craft. Diesel-powered harbour tugs are being progressively replaced with green-powered vessels, while Deendayal Port at Kandla, Paradip Port and V.O. Chidambaranar Port at Tuticorin have been identified as green hydrogen hubs. These ports are being positioned to support the production, storage and bunkering of cleaner fuels, including green hydrogen. The green shipping corridor initiative also aligns with India's wider plans to expand maritime infrastructure and capacity. The government is targeting total port capacity of 10 billion tonnes annually by 2047. Major ports handled more than 915 million tonnes of cargo in 2025-26, compared with 581 million tonnes in 2014-15. Cargo transported through national waterways has also increased substantially, reaching 218 million tonnes from 18 million tonnes in 2013-14. The India-EU green shipping corridor could therefore serve as a framework for aligning cleaner fuels, port infrastructure, vessel operations and international trade. By bringing industry participation into the decarbonisation process, the coalition could help accelerate investment and create commercially viable pathways for lower-emission shipping between India and Europe. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
India’s maritime sector is entering a new phase of transformation, with the focus shifting from policy formulation to effective implementation, technology adoption and measurable outcomes. The message emerged prominently during discussions around the country’s evolving maritime strategy, highlighting the need to translate long-term policy objectives into operational capabilities. The transition reflects a broader effort to strengthen India’s maritime ecosystem through coordinated action across infrastructure, institutions, technology, skills and processes. With a comprehensive policy framework and long-term maritime vision already in place, the emphasis is increasingly on execution supported by clearly defined targets and measurable key performance indicators (KPIs). Technology is emerging as a critical enabler of this shift. Digital systems, data-driven decision-making, research, innovation and entrepreneurship are expected to connect policy intent with implementation and ultimately deliver tangible improvements across maritime operations. The approach also underscores the importance of developing skilled human capital capable of supporting a technology-led and increasingly sustainable maritime industry. India’s maritime transformation is also being reflected at the operational level. Ports are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence and digital technologies to improve efficiency, resilience, safety and competitiveness. Recent industry discussions have highlighted the potential of AI-enabled systems to support predictive operations, integrated data management and smarter decision-making across ports. The shift from policy to practice is therefore becoming a defining feature of India’s maritime development agenda. Rather than measuring progress solely through policies and infrastructure creation, the sector is moving towards evaluating outcomes through operational performance, technology deployment, institutional coordination and workforce capability. As India pursues its ambition of becoming a globally competitive maritime power, effective implementation will remain central to translating strategic objectives into real-world outcomes. The emerging approach positions technology, innovation and execution as key pillars of India’s maritime transformation. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Chennai Port Authority has sought government approval for a ₹17,000 crore outer harbour project that will add 5 million TEUs of container capacity in two phases. The project is proposed to be developed through a hybrid public-private model, with marine works such as breakwater construction, dredging and reclamation planned under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) at an estimated cost of ₹7,000 crore. Container terminals will be developed through a DBFOT concession with private investment. The first phase is planned with an 18-metre draft, followed by a second phase with a 21-metre draft, enabling the facility to handle larger vessels and additional transhipment cargo. The proposal comes as Chennai’s existing container terminals face capacity constraints, while the port’s location within the city limits limits further expansion of current facilities. The outer harbour is expected to support gateway cargo from Tamil Nadu’s manufacturing and export sectors while strengthening Chennai’s role in east coast transhipment. Subject to approval, the project could be awarded by mid-to-late 2027, with construction expected to begin in 2028 and container operations targeted for 2033. The outer harbour is also expected to include berths supporting the requirements of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates
