India’s maritime sector is undergoing a holistic transformation, positioning itself as a critical engine for economic growth, industrialisation, and global trade connectivity. Over the past decade, the country has doubled its port cargo handling capacity, modernised both major and minor ports, and prioritised technology adoption, all while reinforcing sustainability goals. At a recent Indian Infrastructure conference, H.N. Aswath, Development Adviser, Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), discussed the ministry’s recent initiatives, ongoing measures to improve port efficiency and the action plan to overcome sector challenges. Edited excerpts…
At the forefront of port transformation
The MoPSW is actively modernising the operations of India’s 12 major ports and over 67 non-major ports spread across 7,500 km of the coastline. In line with ongoing trends, the ministry is also spearheading the shift to “smart ports” – ports that leverage mechanisation, automation, and digitalisation for more efficient operations.
Another area of focus is technology-driven dredging. To incorporate this, essential changes are being suggested for all major ports. In fact, some of the major ports are undergoing sweeping digital transformation, processing all documentation and submissions via fully digital platforms. Recent measures driven by the MoPSW – such as logistics data bank services, radio frequency identification (RFID) systems, direct port delivery and container scanning – are also streamlining port operations. The ministry has launched the National Logistics Marine Portal (NLMP), a single-window portal, to streamline bookings and authorisations for port services and sea cruise operations. Over 200 companies are registered on the NLMP and are getting benefited from single-window digital submissions, reinforcing the ministry’s objective to simplify procedures and maximise stakeholder convenience.
The use of advanced tools, such as HYPAC Dredgepack software, a comprehensive software program to monitor and manage excavators, hoppers, buckets and cutter suction dredgers, is mandated for bathymetry mapping for enhancing the precision and speed of underwater topographical assessments. These tools have replaced older manual methods.
To optimise dredging output, the MoPSW stresses on the importance of deploying appropriate types and capacities of dredgers, along with rigorous monitoring systems. Some of the major ports are now implementing real-time online monitoring dashboards that provide daily data on dredging sites and production output, helping to promptly identify and rectify inefficiencies. The current online monitoring system uses internet mapping and web services to provide dynamic data for dredging operations. It offers real-time progress reports, along with daily and monthly graphical analysis. The system also tracks dredger time management, including loading, unloading and idle time. On-board sensors provide visual data, which helps to optimise the dredger’s performance.
Moreover, the ministry is promoting upskilling of personnel, recognising that dredging operations require more skilled and semi-skilled workers capable of handling technological tools and monitoring systems proficiently.
Decarbonising ports and pioneering a greener future
Recognising the ecological impact of dredging and port operations, the ministry has embedded environment protection within operational and strategic frameworks. To this end, environmental sustainability has become a clear policy priority, with carbon emissions at major ports reduced to minimum levels, supported by guidelines and digital systems that promote eco-friendly practices. In addition, the MoPSW is pursuing ambitious carbon emission reduction targets that are aligned with national goals. The ministry has set a target of 50 per cent emissions reduction by 2030 and 75 per cent emissions reduction by 2047.
On the policy front, the Dredging Guidelines 2021 have advanced the beneficial use of dredged materials for engineering (shore protection and beach nourishment), construction, aquaculture and wetland restoration. The guidelines explicitly address environmental safeguards, requiring detailed assessments of marine ecosystems before, during, and after dredging activities. This includes minimising water turbidity, controlling pollutant discharge and protecting marine life. Shoreline restoration is another area of focus. The aim is to use dredged materials for beach nourishment so as to prevent coastal erosion and preserve the valuable coastal land. Major ports in the country have also been tasked to explore reuse options for dredged material, aiming to enhance environmental sustainability and drive down dredging costs.
In terms of dredged material management, the MoPSW is encouraging ports to repurpose dredged spoil innovatively. This material, a mixture of gravel, sand, silt and clay, can be sorted and reused. Ports in Cochin, Paradip, Visakhapatnam and Mumbai have successfully integrated these practices. The ministry is also advocating that ports should allocate shore land dedicated to dredged material processing and collaborate with laboratories for material testing, drawing on international examples like Antwerp port in Belgium. Such practices ensure sustainable use and reuse of dredged materials while also lowering dredging costs.
A number of green port initiatives undertaken by the government are supporting the ministry’s decarbonisation ambitions. A key initiative is shore power supply, with ports now providing shore power connections for docked vessels. This enables ships to switch off their engines and reduce emissions while at berth. The ministry is also promoting the use of green tug boats, which is a transition from diesel-powered tug boats to environmentally friendly alternatives that use liquefied natural gas (LNG), ammonia, or other cleaner fuels at major ports like Jawaharlal Nehru Port, New Mangalore port, VO Chidambaranar Port, Paradip port and Jindal port. Under the Green Tug Transition Programme, Jawaharlal Nehru Port, VO Chidambaranar Port, Paradip port and Deendayal port, Kandla will procure two tugs each. Moreover, green hydrogen hubs are planned to be developed at Deendayal port, VO Chidambaranar Port, and Tuticorin port.
The next big step
Looking ahead, the ministry aims to strengthen India’s maritime infrastructure, with clear priorities in place. By 2026, it is planning to roll out smart port initiatives, such as automated systems, digital submissions, RFID, container scanners and integrated data services, to increase efficiency and transparency. The country’s current port capacity stands at 2,755 million tonnes. Anticipating India’s economy to expand to $20 trillion-$25 trillion by 2047, the ministry recognises that the need of the hour is to increase port capacity significantly to meet future demands.
The MoPSW has launched new mega port projects with vast dredging requirements. For example, the Vadhvan port project, with a budget of approximately Rs 760 billion, has started extensive dredging and reclamation works for expanding port capacity. Similarly, the Rs 410 billion Galathea port project in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is moving forward after receiving environmental clearances and will undertake dredging activities. The development of the outer harbor at VOC Port with rock dredging is expected to bring new transshipment facilities along the eastern coast. The completion of work at Keni port, Ramayapatnam port and Machilipatnam port is expected to significantly improve future capacity. This will be complemented by enhancements at existing ports and the development of new non-major ports in the country. Meanwhile, Jawaharlal Nehru Port is slated to be transformed into a smart port by 2026.
All in all, the ministry is moving decisively towards a future where Indian ports are technologically advanced, environmentally sustainable, and capable of supporting the country’s ambitious economic growth targets. The integration of smart technologies, proactive dredging management, and sustainability plans will not only improve operational efficiencies but also ensure that India’s marine ecosystem is preserved for future generations. These measures are designed to meet and exceed the projected export and logistics demands, supporting the Amrit Kaal vision for transformative national development.
