India's Maritime Expansion: New Shipbuilding Clusters and Ports Transform Future

India plans to establish shipbuilding and repair clusters in five states, with significant investments in ports and hydrogen manufacturing hubs. The initiatives aim to increase container handling capacity, create millions of jobs, and enhance global maritime connectivity. Key reforms and new port projects are set to boost India's maritime infrastructure.

India is set to establish dedicated shipbuilding and ship repair clusters in five states, including Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, announced Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday.

Recognizing the strategic importance of strengthening maritime infrastructure, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) is developing dedicated clusters in Maharashtra, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Gujarat. Over the next five years, the ministry projects container handling to reach an impressive 40 million TEUs, creating 2 million job opportunities across the country.

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) is set to scale up its handling capacity from the current 6.6 million TEUs to 10 million. Additionally, 3,900 acres of land have been allocated in Deendayal Port Authority and V. O. Chidambaranar Port Trust for the establishment of hydrogen manufacturing hubs, attracting investments worth more than Rs 5 lakh crore.

JNPA is expected to become the first Indian port to achieve a container handling capacity of 10 million TEUs. The forthcoming International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP) at Galathea Bay, Great Nicobar Island, is set to emerge as a significant transshipment hub.

The establishment of Vadhvan Port, after 25 years since the inception of Kamarajar Port, marks a pivotal milestone in India's maritime journey. The new port aims to be one of the largest all-weather deep-water ports with a capacity of 298 MMTPA, expected to generate 1.2 million jobs and enhance global shipping connectivity.

MoPSW Secretary T K Ramachandran highlighted the ministry's bold steps in the first 100 days to implement key reforms such as the establishment of the Indian Maritime Centre and the Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre, reinforcing India's position as a global leader in maritime logistics.

The ambitious Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amritkaal Vision 2047 target sustainable growth, improved connectivity, and enhanced ease of doing business. MoPSW additional secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha mentioned ongoing endeavors to incentivize vessels using green fuel.

(With inputs from agencies.)