India is set to significantly strengthen its maritime capacity with plans to add 62 new vessels in FY 2026–27, backed by an investment of ₹51,383 crore. The announcement was made by Sarbananda Sonowal as part of a broader push to make the country more self-reliant in the shipping sector.
Big Push for Maritime Capacity
The planned expansion aims to increase India’s shipping capacity by 2.85 million gross tonnage (GT) in the current financial year. This move is seen as crucial in building resilience against global supply chain disruptions, especially amid evolving geopolitical tensions affecting key maritime routes.
Focus on Strategic and Diverse Fleet
The new vessels will cover a wide range of categories, including:
- Container ships
- LPG carriers
- Crude oil tankers
- Dredging vessels
- Green and eco-friendly tugs
Officials say this diversified fleet will strengthen India’s ability to handle trade, energy transport, and coastal operations more efficiently.
Coordinated Government Effort
The roadmap was discussed during a high-level inter-ministerial meeting involving departments such as Petroleum and Natural Gas, Chemicals and Fertilisers, and Commerce, along with major public sector undertakings and maritime authorities.
The minister emphasised that shipping is emerging as a key pillar of India’s economic resilience and global trade strategy.
White Paper and Long-Term Vision
To guide future growth, Sarbananda Sonowal has directed officials to prepare a comprehensive white paper. This document will identify gaps in the maritime sector, set clear targets, and outline a time-bound roadmap for development.
Focus on Green and Future Technologies
The government is also exploring opportunities in specialised shipping, including vessels designed to transport ammonia—an emerging component in the green energy ecosystem. This aligns with India’s broader sustainability goals.
Strengthening Safety and Global Position
Alongside expansion, the government is prioritising the safety of Indian seafarers and ensuring operational readiness in sensitive maritime zones.
With this large-scale investment and strategic planning, India is aiming to build a future-ready, self-reliant maritime ecosystem, strengthening its position in global trade and logistics.
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