India's ports are no longer just cargo handling points but are rapidly transforming into integrated logistics and industrial hubs through public-private partnerships and global best practices, Shipping Secretary Vijay Kumar said on Wednesday (22 April), the Business Standard reported .
Speaking to around 200 investors and industry stakeholders at a round-table during Singapore Maritime Week 2026, Kumar said, "India is steadily - and decisively - moving in the direction" to sustain growth, attract investment and integrate into global value chains.
The numbers reflect this shift. Cargo handling capacity has doubled since 2013-14, rising from 1,400 MTPA to 2,771 MTPA. The target is 3,500 MTPA by 2030 and 10,000 MTPA by 2047.
In FY 2025-26, major ports handled over 915 million tonnes, their highest ever, registering over 7 per cent annual growth.
On shipbuilding, Kumar outlined a whole-of-government vessel acquisition plan worth approximately Rs 2.2 trillion over 15 years covering requirements of oil and gas PSUs, Shipping Corporation of India, green tugs and dredgers. "Tenders for 34 vessels already floated, all receiving strong participation from Indian shipyards," he said.
A Rs 69,725-crore maritime revitalisation package is driving this push, including the Rs 24,736-crore Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme valid through March 2036, a Rs 25,000-crore Maritime Development Fund, and the Rs 20,000-crore Shipbuilding Development Scheme for greenfield and brownfield expansion.
Results are already showing. CMA CGM has ordered six dual-fuelled LNG container vessels at Cochin Shipyard, while Norwegian firm Redreiet Stenerson has placed orders for six chemical tankers at Pipavav.
"This is not an aspiration. This is an order pipeline, backed by policy, capital, and government procurement," Kumar said.
On sustainability, he noted that Kandla, Paradip and Tuticorin ports are being developed as green hydrogen hubs, with L&T, Reliance, Welspun and AM Green collectively taking around 3,400 acres at Kandla for green hydrogen and ammonia production.