New Delhi/Panaji: Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shantanu Thakur, announced on Monday the government’s ambitious target to capture 5 percent of the global shipbuilding market by 2030. The plan includes developing 10 world-class shipyards through public-private partnerships and international collaborations, as part of India’s vision to become a global hub for sustainable shipbuilding.
Vision for Sustainable and Self-Reliant Shipbuilding
Addressing the CII Conference in Goa via video link on ‘India’s Shipbuilding Roadmap towards Maritime Amrit Kal Vision 2047’, Thakur emphasized that shipbuilding is not merely an industry but a symbol of national strength and self-reliance. He said India aims to be a leader in sustainable shipbuilding, contributing to the country’s green growth, blue economy, and the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Read also: Government Launches e-Samudra Platform and Maritime IT Reforms to Modernise Shipping Sector
Modernization and Technology at the Core
Highlighting the government’s shipyard modernization program, Thakur spoke about leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as automation, digital twin technology, and green shipbuilding innovations to achieve the 5 percent global market share — a significant leap from India’s current position.
The minister also revealed plans to establish 10 world-class shipyards by 2030, supported by both domestic and international partnerships to adopt global best practices.
Maritime Sector Transformation and Infrastructure Development
Reflecting on the maritime sector’s transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Thakur noted the inland waterway cargo movement has surged by over 320 percent since 2014, promoting eco-friendly transport and reducing logistics costs. This growth aligns with India’s ambitious $2 trillion export target by 2030 and its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070.
In addition to modernizing port infrastructure and improving supply chain efficiency, projects such as the inauguration of facilities at Deendayal Port in Kandla and developments in Kolkata and island territories demonstrate the government’s commitment to enhancing multimodal logistics through the PM Gati Shakti programme.
National Container Shipping Line and Domestic Production Push
Thakur also announced the government’s goal to establish a national container shipping line by 2030, aiming for 50 percent domestic production of container vessels by 2035. This initiative seeks to reduce dependence on foreign shipping companies and place Indian shipyards at the core of global trade.
Financing, Innovation, and Green Shipbuilding Initiatives
The minister highlighted the role of the Maritime Development Fund, a dedicated financing mechanism to support shipyard modernization, green shipbuilding research, and public-private partnerships.
On innovation, Thakur pointed to rapid advancements in electric propulsion, carbon capture technologies, and automation within the shipbuilding sector, fostered by startups and industry leaders. Government-backed hackathons and innovation challenges are further strengthening India’s domestic research ecosystem.
The government is also incentivizing green shipbuilding, targeting that by 2047, at least 30 percent of India’s shipping fleet will run on clean fuels such as LNG, methanol, and hydrogen. Plans include dedicated green shipping corridors and inland green vessels as part of this sustainable vision.
National Shipbuilding Policy and Skill Development
A comprehensive National Shipbuilding Policy is in the pipeline, designed to streamline regulations, extend tax incentives, and provide a 10-year roadmap focusing on skill development — with a target to train 50,000 workers by 2030 — and research on autonomous and green vessels.
Connectivity and Coastal Industrial Clusters
Integration with PM Gati Shakti’s multimodal connectivity framework will create coastal industrial clusters near shipyards to optimize raw material supply chains and reduce costs. Shipbuilding hubs in Gujarat, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh will be connected via rail and road networks by 2030 to boost operational efficiency.
Progress under Sagarmala and Call for Collaboration
Thakur also noted significant progress under the Sagarmala programme, with 150 projects—including green shipping corridors and capacity-building initiatives—set for completion this year, further enhancing India’s coastal ecosystem.
Calling for stronger collaboration between government, industry, and academia, Thakur expressed confidence that with financial support, innovation, and sustainable practices, India is well on its way to becoming a global shipbuilding powerhouse.
“The journey ahead is challenging but full of opportunities,” he said.
