The Maritime India Vision 2030 has been formulated through comprehensive consultations and in-depth dialogues with stakeholders across the public and private sectors. The Maritime India Vision 2030 aims to implement actionable initiatives within a specific timeframe, giving particular emphasis on enhancing the country’s logistics, infrastructure, and shipping sectors. It is centered around the Blue Economy, recognizing it as a pivotal element of economic progression.
The Maritime India Vision 2030 outlines 10 key themes which are essential for India to secure its place at the forefront of the Global Maritime Sector.
1. Develop best-in-class Port infrastructure
Total traffic handled at Indian Ports rose from 885 M TPA in 2010-11 to 1300 M TPA in 2019-20. The 12 Major Indian Ports handled nearly 54 per cent of the total cargo in 2019-20 and have witnessed just about -4 % CAGR growth in overall cargo traffic over last 5 years. Given the evolving global shipping market and 10-year traffic projections across commodities and regional clusters, India needs to upgrade its port infrastructure to increase its market share. MIV 2030 has identified key interventions across 4 areas: brownfield capacity augmentation; developing world-class Mega Ports; development of transhipment hub in Southern India; and infrastructure modernization.
2. Drive E2E logistics efficiency and cost competitiveness
200+ port connectivity projects have been scheduled to improve access to ports via road, rail, coastal & inland routes. To be globally competitive, the India Ports must drive mechanization and adoption of technology to improve productivity and establish ancillary services (e.g. PGA nodal offices) within port premises to improve evacuation time. The Maritime India Vision also outlines that key interventions such as operational efficiency improvement, better evacuation,
cost reduction, coastal shipping promotion and port land industrialization to drive competitiveness and efficiency.
3. Enhance logistics efficiency through technology and innovation
With an aim to achieve ~5% share in world exports, India’s exports need to grow aggressively in next 5 to 10 years and it is imperative for Indian Ports to strengthen maritime capabilities and improve Ease of Doing Business (EoDB). Key interventions identified to enhance efficiency include creation of a National Logistics Portal (Marine), functional processes digitalization across maritime stakeholders, Digital-led smart ports, and system-driven port performance monitoring
4. Strengthen Policy and Institutional Framework to Support all Stakeholders
Maritime India Vision 2030 has identified key interventions for improving governance mechanisms, amendments in existing legislatures, strengthening MCA, and promoting PPP, fiscal support, and financial resilience to enable overall sustainable growth of the sector
5. Enhance global share in Ship Building, Repair and Recycling
Maritime India Vision 2030 has identified domestic demand channelization for ship building; development of common platforms for ancillary and marine design
ecosystem; creation of ship repair clusters; and, promoting waste to wealth through increased scrap usage in steel industry as key interventions to enhance the country’s market share.
6. Enhance cargo and passenger movement through inland waterways
India’s modal share of freight moved on inland waterways has significant potential to improve compared to other best in class benchmarks. It is imperative to increase share of the country’s inland waterways as they are highly economical and an eco-friendly mode of transport. Key interventions identified to enhance passenger and cargo movement include terminal infrastructure and fairway development; fiscal and regulatory policies to encourage IW vessel operators and cargo owners; and promotion of Ro-Ro and ferry services in India.
7. Promote ocean, coastal and river cruise sector
The Indian cruise industry, though in its nascent stage, is growing due to multiple government interventions in the last 3 years. With global ocean cruise industry highly concentrated (80%+ share with top 3 players), attractive and stable policy framework is critical to attract global players to India. Over the next decade, the Indian cruise market has the potential to increase by 8X driven by rising demand and disposable incomes. However, to do so, India will have to focus on the development of infrastructure to unlock demand. Optimized development and phasing strategy are necessary for development of this sector.
8. Enhance India’s global stature and maritime co-operation
While multiple efforts are being undertaken to develop and strengthen connectivity (ferry, cruise, cargo) with neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, additional areas can be explored to further bolster maritime cooperation like strengthening permanent representation at I MO, common standards, and promoting “ Resolve in India”. Also, concerted efforts to drive collaboration with advanced maritime countries (such as the UK, US, Netherlands, etc.) are required
9. Lead the world in Safe, Sustainable & Green Maritime sector
India has set a target to achieve 40% national energy through renewable sources by 2030. Indian Ports need to be in adherence with International Marine Organization’s alignment to 9 UN SDG which includes obligations on safe, efficient and sustainable ports.
To reduce environmental pollution, Indian ports have started multiple initiatives such as driving solar and wind energy adoption, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Swachh Sagar portal for waste management, etc. Also, to ensure safe work environment, Indian ports are striving to introduce multiple safety measures to prevent accidents and incidents.
In order to be in line with best in class practices, the Maritime India Vision 2030 has identified key interventions like increasing usage of renewable energy, reducing air emissions, optimizing water usage, improving solid waste management, Zero accident safety program, and centralized monitoring system identified to further bolster India towards leading the world in Safe, Sustainable and Green ports.
10. Become top Seafaring nation with world class Education, Research & Training
India currently contributes to 10-12% of world seafarers but is facing rising competition from other countries in South East Asia such as the Philippines. Key interventions have been identified for promoting Research & innovation, enhancement of Education & Training, development of conducive ecosystem for seafarers and port led capability development.
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