India is witnessing a rapid transformation of its maritime infrastructure with strategic investments in digital technologies. Indian ports are actively embracing digital twins, artÂificial intelligence (AI)-driven cargo planning, internet of things (IoT)-based predictive maintenance and blockchain solutions to enhance operational efficiency, safety and transparency. These technologies, supported by government policies and industry innovation, are making Indian ports future-ready hubs for resilient and sustainable global trade.
In addition, government policies are strongly supporting the digitalisation of ports and modernisation of the maritime sector. The recently enacted Indian Ports Act, 2025 replaces the colonial-era legislation with a modern framework to promote integrated port-led development, stronger centre-state coordinÂation, and alignment with global maritime standards. It mandates digital initiatives such as a maritime single-window and advanced vessel traffic management systems to enhance operational efficiency, reduce bottlenecks and lower costs. The government is also promoting paperless cargo clearance, radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled systems, secure digital payment ecosystems and AI/IoT-enabled smart port projects to promote transparency, speed and sustainability. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is actively driving these reforms alongside initiatives such as e-Samudra for unified maritime services.
Virtual port ecosystem
Digital twin technology is rapidly transforming Indian ports, enabling smarter, more resilient and efficient maritime operations. By creating real-time, virtual replicas of physical port assets and systems, digital twins allow operators to visualise, simulate and optimise everything from vessel berthing and cargo flows to crane operations, maintenance schedules and envirÂonmental management.
The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) recently launched the virtual twin for ship life cycle assessment and 3D classification, utilising the Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE Platform. This digital innovation marks a significant step in IRS’s digital transformation, combining physical and virtual data to enhance ship classification, management and assessment throughout the life cycle. The virtual twin improves accuracy, transparency and efficiency, supporting safer and more sustainable vessel operations. It facilitates faster decision-making, better stakeholder collaborÂation and compliance with regulations.
Notably, the Deendayal Port Authority plans to implement an AI-powered digital twin as part of its shift to smart port operations. This technology will enable real-time visualisation, monitoring and analysis of port activities, enhancing efficiency, safety and data-driven decision-making. By harnessing high-resolution camera networks, advanced computer vision and sophisticated analytics, the digital twin will deliver actionable insights into berthing schedules, crane operations, vehicle traffic and other port functions.
AI for cargo planning and operations
AI is increasingly reshaping cargo planning and operations at Indian ports, driving Âmajor gains in efficiency, transparency and cost Âreduction. Port authorities and operators are deploying AI-powered systems for critical functions. Platforms, such as DP World’s Zodiac and government interfaces such as ICEGATE use AI for risk management, vessel planning and safety monitoring, thereby improving scheduling, berth allocation and the sequenÂcing of cargo movements. AI tools also integrate data from cranes, trucks and storage areas, giving stakeholders live visibility of cargo locations and enabling dynamic adjustments to loading and unloading operations.
Docker Vision, an AI-based solution, enables real-time container and vehicle recognition using standard CCTV/IP cameras, eliminating the need for specialised hardware or costly infrastructure upgrades. Its software, dOCR, accurately captures and analyses container data and vehicle details even under challenging conditions such as poor lighting, dust and fast movement, achieving over 95 per cent accuracy. The platform’s plug-and-play architecture allows deployments in under 48 hours and integrates seamlessly with legÂacy systems, significantly lowering barriers to automation. By reducing manual errors, operÂational delays and gate congestion, Docker Vision can cut costs by up to 30 per cent and contribute to lower fuel consumption and emissions. Docker Vision is expanding across ports, rail yards, warehouses and special economic zones, positioning itself as a scalable, cost-effective AI infrastructure layer for India’s logistics sector.
Predictive maintenance and asset health monitoring
IoT technology is also playing a pivotal role in predictive maintenance at Indian ports, significantly improving operational efficiency and asset longevity. By embedding sensors in critical port infrastructure such as cranes, conveyor belts, quay walls and vehicles, ports collect continuous data on equipment health including temperature, vibration and operational status. This real-time data is analysed using AI and machine learning (ML) models to predict potential failures before they occur, allowing maintenance teams to perform timely interventions that reduce downtime and prevent costly breakdowns.
The NAVIC Cell at New Mangalore port is a pioneering initiative that leverages IoT-Âenabled monitoring, blockchain, AI-driven traffic management and predictive analytics to improve port efficiency. These technologies help reduce turnaround times and logistics costs for shippers and exporters, aligning with the goals of the National Logistics Portal (Marine). This is part of a broader drive to modernise Indian ports through technology and automation.
Similarly, Visakhapatnam port is advancing its capabilities through several cutting-edge projects unveiled at the recent Sagarmala Convention. The port has introduced two new 120 tonne harbour mobile cranes, increasing its handling capacity by 3 million metric tonnes per annum. Additionally, a Rs 375.3 million smart video surveillance project, comprising AI/ML-based video analytics, IoT technology and an integrated command control centre, has been launched to enhance security and operational efficiency.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority recently launched a universal e-seal reader, enhancing the security and efficiency of containerised cargo movement. This technology enables fast and accurate reading of electronic seals on cargo, facilitating real-time tracking and verification. The system aims to strengthen supply chain security, minimise manual intervention, reduce delays and accelerate cargo clearance. It also helps customs and port authorities ensure compliance and detect tampering, thereby improving trade facilitation.
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, is also undergoing a significant transformation into a future-ready maritime hub. The port is modernising operations through digital systems such as SAP and RFID-enabled gates, mechanising berths, and implementing real-time vessel tracking and geographic information system mapping for better land management. These initiatives aim to enhance operational transparency, reduce turnaround time and position the port as a key enabler for trade growth in eastern India.
Furthermore, labour skill gaps, limited mechanisation in smaller ports and uneven adoption of digital trade platforms hinder seamless logistics. Many ports continue to rely heavily on manual processes, which not only reduce efficiency but also increase the likelihood of operational delays and safety incidents. The shortage of trained personnel in areas such as container handling, port automation and data analytics limits the effective use of advanced technologies being introduced under port modernisation programmes. Bridging these gaps through training and technology transfer initiatives is essential. Addressing these multifaceted challenges is vital for India to achieve its vision of becoming a global maritime and logistics hub, ensuring that growth is both inclusive and sustainable across all port segments.
Key challenges
Indian ports face several issues and challenges, reflecting the complexities of modern port operations and the pace of technological adoption. One of the concerns is inadequate infrastructure capacity, which hampers efficiency and increases turnaround times, making ports less competitive globally. Many ports continue to pose challenges in integrating legacy systems with new digital solutions, resulting in operational fragmentation and inefficiencies.
Security concerns, particularly cybersecurity, has emerged as a critical concern at Indian ports amid increasing digitalisation and automation. To safeguard operations, data and critical infrastructure, several measures and initiatives have been taken. For instance, the Indian Ports Association has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur’s C3iHub to develop specialised cybersecurity controls, management systems and skill development programs tailored for port authorities and maritime operations, fostering secure smart port ecosystems. Other maritime security measures include upgrading security levels to MARSEC level 2 across all Indian ports and terminals, and mandating regular blackout drills, surprise inspections, and cybersecurity system reviews by chief information security officers. In addition, the lack of standardised procedures, unpredictable processing times and high costs, particularly in customs clearance, documentation and inland connectivity, pose significant challenges.
The new cargo handling system at Adani Krishnapatnam port leverages advanced technology to significantly enhance operational efficiency and cargo throughput. The system integrates automated cargo tracking, digital inventory management and real-time data analytics to provide seamless visibility across the entire logistics chain. Key features include automated tracking, real-time data analysis and improved logistics coordination, ensuring faster turnaround and improved safety standards. By enabling better coordination between port operations, shipping lines and hinterland logistics, the system reduces congestion, idle time and operational costs.
Future outlook
India’s progress in smart port digitalisation is supported by a comprehensive framework of national and state policies that promote technological innovation and sustainable development. Strategic partnerships with both global technology leaders and dynamic domestic start-ups are essential to accelerate the implementation and co-creation of solutions tailÂored to India’s maritime ecosystem.
Despite the promising advancements, challenges remain, particularly in integrating new digital frameworks with legacy infrastructure and adapting the existing workforce to increasingly automated and data-driven operations. Addressing technological silos, cybersecurity concerns and skill gaps is critical to unlocking the full potential of these innovations.
Going forward, Indian ports will continue to advance beyond isolated technology deployments towards a greater integration of IoT with complementary digital technologies such as digital twins and AI analytics, creating comprehensive asset management platforms. This holistic approach will significantly enhance operational visibility, reduce risks and support informed decision-making through real-time, data-backed insights. At ÂVisakhapatnam port, for instance, a digital twin could streamline the handling of coal and iron ore, reducing both delays and emissions. At Kandla port, virtual modelling could guide expansion plans while mitigating environmental bottlenecks. The ongoing modernisation aligns with India’s maritime goals, steering the country’s ports towards becoming resilient, efficient and sustainable hubs that can meet the growing demands of global trade. As India moves to position itself as a global logistics leader, embracing advanced technologies will be a key competitive advantage.
Sidra Siddiquie
