India is set to significantly expand its maritime capacity with plans to add 62 vessels in FY 2026–27, backed by an investment of ₹51,383 crore, as part of a broader push towards self-reliance in the shipping sector, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said on Wednesday.
Chairing a high-level inter-ministerial review meeting amid evolving developments in the Strait of Hormuz region, Sonowal outlined a roadmap to increase India’s shipping capacity by 2.85 million gross tonnage (GT) in the current fiscal, aimed at strengthening the country’s resilience against global supply chain disruptions.
The meeting brought together senior officials from key ministries, including Petroleum and Natural Gas, Chemicals and Fertilisers, and Commerce and Industry, along with oil public sector undertakings, the Directorate General of Shipping, the National Shipping Board, and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
Highlighting the strategic importance of maritime strength, Sonowal said the government is positioning shipping as a core pillar of India’s economic resilience. “Our journey towards Atmanirbhar shipping is a strategic necessity,” he said, stressing the need for urgent expansion of fleet capacity across segments such as container ships, LPG carriers, crude oil tankers, dredging vessels, and green tugs.
The minister also reviewed cargo flows, vessel movements, and operational preparedness across maritime sectors, underlining the importance of scaling up shipbuilding capabilities and port infrastructure to meet future challenges. He noted progress on a proposed joint venture between the Shipping Corporation of India and oil PSUs to acquire 59 vessels.
In a significant policy move, Sonowal directed officials to prepare a comprehensive white paper identifying gaps in the maritime sector, setting clear targets, and outlining a time-bound roadmap. The document will be developed through close coordination among multiple ministries and is expected to guide future policy decisions.
The minister also highlighted emerging opportunities in specialised shipping, stating that the Shipping Corporation of India is being equipped to build vessels capable of transporting ammonia, a key component in the evolving green energy ecosystem.
Emphasising safety, Sonowal reiterated that the security of Indian seafarers remains a top priority, directing agencies to maintain heightened vigilance in sensitive maritime zones.
The meeting concluded with a call for stronger inter-ministerial coordination and faster execution of plans to build a future-ready maritime ecosystem, as the government continues to monitor global developments while advancing long-term strategies to strengthen India’s position in global trade.
