India’s first port-based e-methanol plant to come up in Gujarat’s Kandla with investment of Rs 2,300 crore

September 27, 2026 4:31 PM

India’s first port-based e-methanol plant to come up in Gujarat’s Kandla with investment of Rs 2,300 crore

India has taken a major step towards becoming a global supplier of green maritime fuel with the foundation stone laid for the country’s first port-based e-methanol production facility at Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla, Gujarat. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation stone for the project on Saturday. The facility will have a total production capac...

Sarbananda Sonowal calls for technology-driven maritime security as India’s port network expands

August 7, 2026 12:34 AM

Sarbananda Sonowal calls for technology-driven maritime security as India’s port network expands

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday called for a technology-led transformation of India's maritime security architecture, saying the country's expanding port network and growing role in global trade require resilient, integrated and future-ready security systems capable of addressing emerging cyber and geopolitical threats. Addressing the 2nd National Port Security Conference 2026 in New Delhi, Sonowal said India's ports should be evaluated not only b...

India accelerates maritime expansion, targets over 700 MTPA additional port capacity by 2030

July 30, 2026 10:32 PM

India accelerates maritime expansion, targets over 700 MTPA additional port capacity by 2030

India is stepping up investments in ports, inland waterways and shipbuilding as part of its roadmap towards the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, with the government targeting more than 700 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of additional port capacity by 2030. Chairing a high-level review meeting on the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways' (MoPSW) Viksit Bharat targets, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal directed officials to accelerate the implementation of flagship projects while adhering to stri...

VOC Port emerges as green maritime leader with 45% cut in carbon emissions: Sarbananda Sonowal

June 24, 2026 5:58 PM

VOC Port emerges as green maritime leader with 45% cut in carbon emissions: Sarbananda Sonowal

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday hailed the transformation of V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority into a national model for sustainable maritime development, highlighting its significant achievements in decarbonisation, renewable energy adoption, digital innovation and social infrastructure. Speaking at a series of events held at the port, Sonowal said VOC Port has emerged as one of India’s leading examples of environmentally responsible infrastruct...

Government on high alert to protect Indian seafarers amid Gulf security crisis

June 12, 2026 1:23 PM

Government on high alert to protect Indian seafarers amid Gulf security crisis

India has placed maritime agencies on the highest level of alert amid the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the Gulf region, following a missile attack on a commercial tanker that claimed the lives of three Indian seafarers. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), through the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), said it is closely monitoring developments in the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman and adjoining maritime zones, which have witnessed heightened security th...

Sarbananda Sonowal unveils ‘Maritime Reform Utsav’, pushes digital governance and faster maritime reforms

May 26, 2026 10:52 AM

Sarbananda Sonowal unveils ‘Maritime Reform Utsav’, pushes digital governance and faster maritime reforms

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), outlining a reform-driven roadmap to accelerate India’s maritime transformation in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.” The meeting focused on strengthening governance, improving ease of doing business, enhancing digital integration, ensuring effective grievanc...

India signs landmark MoU for first mega greenfield shipyard in Thoothukudi under Maritime Vision 2047

May 14, 2026 2:14 PM

India signs landmark MoU for first mega greenfield shipyard in Thoothukudi under Maritime Vision 2047

India’s maritime sector received a major boost with the signing of a landmark tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of the country’s first mega greenfield shipyard at Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu. The agreement was signed on April 20, between HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park, Tamil Nadu Limited (NSHIP-TN), and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) under the Ministry of Ports, Shippin...

Women’s participation in maritime sector up 340% since 2020: Sarbananda Sonowal at Indian Ocean Dialogue

May 8, 2026 11:49 AM

Women’s participation in maritime sector up 340% since 2020: Sarbananda Sonowal at Indian Ocean Dialogue

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday said women’s participation in India’s maritime sector has surged by 340 per cent since 2020, highlighting the government’s efforts to build a more inclusive and future-ready maritime workforce. Addressing the 10th Indian Ocean Dialogue in New Delhi, Sonowal said initiatives such as “Sagar Mein Samman” are helping create greater opportunities for women in the maritime sector while promoting dignity, inclusi...

India plans 62 new vessels with Rs 51,383 crore investment to boost Atmanirbhar shipping: Sarbananda Sonowal

April 29, 2026 9:59 PM

India plans 62 new vessels with Rs 51,383 crore investment to boost Atmanirbhar shipping: Sarbananda Sonowal

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 mil...

India accelerates inland waterways push with record cargo growth and expansion plans

April 27, 2026 5:47 PM

India accelerates inland waterways push with record cargo growth and expansion plans

India is steadily transforming its vast network of rivers, canals and backwaters into a modern, efficient and sustainable transport backbone, with inland waterways emerging as a key pillar of the country’s logistics and economic strategy. Backed by strong policy support and rising investments, the sector is witnessing rapid growth in cargo movement, infrastructure development and tourism potential. With 111 National Waterways spanning 20,187 kilometres across 23 states and four Union Territor...