Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launches ‘One Nation-One Port,’ Bharat Ports Global Consortium, MAITRI, and India Maritime Week.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, has launched a series of transformative initiatives aimed at modernising India’s maritime infrastructure, enhancing efficiency, and bolstering global trade. Announced at a key stakeholder meeting in Mumbai, these reforms align with the Union Budget’s focus on strengthening India’s logistics and shipping sector.
Key Announcements:
🔹 ‘One Nation-One Port’ (ONOP) Process: A major initiative to standardise operations across all Indian ports, reducing inefficiencies and cutting logistics costs. It streamlines documentation, reducing container operation documents by 33% (from 143 to 96) and bulk cargo documents by 29% (from 150 to 106).
🔹 Sagar Ankalan: Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) 2023-24: A new benchmarking system to enhance port efficiency, reduce turnaround time, and strengthen global trade connectivity.
🔹 Bharat Ports Global Consortium: A strategic initiative bringing together IPGL (operations), SDCL (finance), and IPRCL (infrastructure development) to boost port expansion, logistics efficiency, and trade resilience while supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
🔹 MAITRI (Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface): A groundbreaking digital platform leveraging AI and blockchain to create a ‘Virtual Trade Corridor’ between India and the UAE, with planned expansion to BIMSTEC and ASEAN nations. MAITRI will reduce processing time, optimise trade flows, and enhance supply chain efficiency.
🔹 India Maritime Week 2025: Scheduled for October 27-31 in Mumbai, the event will celebrate ‘Maritime Virasat’ (Heritage) and ‘Maritime Vikaas’ (Development), featuring the 4th Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS) and 2nd Sagarmanthan Dialogue, with representation from 100+ countries and 100,000+ delegates.
Maritime Infrastructure & Green Shipping:
To revitalise India’s shipbuilding sector, the government has introduced key reforms:
✔ ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund—long-term financing to modernise ports, attract private investment, and boost infrastructure.
✔ Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP 2.0): Encouraging Indian shipyards to compete globally.
✔ Tonnage Tax Extension for Inland Vessels—Promoting eco-friendly riverine transport.
✔ Customs Duty Exemption Extension (10 Years): Supporting domestic shipbuilding and maritime trade.
Additionally, the National Centre of Excellence in Green Port and Shipping (NCoEGPS) was launched, aiming to reduce carbon footprints, adopt cleaner fuels, and promote sustainable port operations.
Sonowal’s Vision for a Maritime Powerhouse
Speaking at the event, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized,
“India is taking a decisive step towards becoming a global maritime powerhouse. These initiatives will modernise ports, enhance logistics efficiency, and reinforce India’s role in international trade. By streamlining processes and integrating digital innovations, we are accelerating our journey towards Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat by 2047.”
With these initiatives, India is set to redefine global trade, enhance maritime connectivity, and strengthen its position as a key player in the international supply chain.
Source: PIB Delhi
