India poised to be among the top 5 shipbuilding countries in the world by 2047

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has set an ambitious target to complete 150 projects by September 2025. The Ministry organised a two-day ‘Chintan Shivir’ in Srinagar with a vision to evaluate, reset, discover and apply solutions to unlock the potential of the Blue Economy of India.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed the ongoing projects worth Rs 2 trillion and drew up a goal, after consultative deliberation with the experts, of completing at least 150 projects by September, 2025.

As per official sources, the event focused on strengthening India’s shipbuilding and repair capabilities, improving financial and digital solutions for maritime infrastructure and pushing for a greener, more sustainable shipping industry. Emphasis was also given on achieving targets set out in Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047.

Major announcements:

A total of 150 initiatives/projects were identified for completion within the next six months, with a deadline set for September 6, 2025. The Union Minister reemphasised India’s vision to be among the top 5 shipbuilding nations by 2047, with an additional shipbuilding capacity of 4 million Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT).

He directed the formulation of suitable policies and skill development initiatives while encouraging collaboration with the State governments. The Bharat Container Shipping Line will be established under the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI). All major ports to tender for at least 1 Green Tug within the next 3 months.

A Coastal Green Shipping Corridor will be established, with the Kandla-Tuticorin corridor being the 1st to be developed in partnership with SCI, Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) and V. O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VoCPA).

Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) will invest Rs 100 crore in 3 National Waterways in Jammu & Kashmir, boosting inland water transport and connectivity in the region.