India Introduces Innovative Maritime Digital Reforms to Strengthen Global Competitiveness
- Dr Ashok Barthwal
- May 30
- 2 min read
Updated: May 31
India is making significant strides in modernizing its maritime sector with the introduction of the Logistic Port Performance Index (LPPI) for 2024-25, accompanied by four strategic initiatives designed to enhance governance, transparency, and the overall ease of doing business in the shipping industry. The LPPI meticulously assesses ports across three critical cargo segments: dry bulk, liquid bulk, and container cargo. By utilizing key operational indicators—including cargo handled, vessel turnaround time, berth idle time, pre-berthing waiting time, container dwell time, and ship birth day output—this framework promotes a culture of excellence. It assigns equal importance to both absolute performance and year-on-year improvement, incentivizing ports to continuously refine and enhance their operations. This initiative not only boosts efficiency but also positions India as a leader in the global maritime landscape.
The initiative presents an exciting opportunity, featuring a 24/7 Grievance Redressal Module under the e-Navik platform, a streamlined Ship Registration Module on the e-Samudra platform, a comprehensive Medical Module, and an innovative Unified Ship Recycling Credit Note Module.
Significantly, the Unified Ship Recycling Portal is part of the government's ambitious 70,000-crore-rupee maritime package unveiled in 2025. This forward-thinking Ship Recycling Credit Scheme allows ship owners to benefit greatly. Those recycling vessels at Indian yards compliant with the Hong Kong Convention can obtain a credit note worth 40% of the vessel's scrap value. This credit is redeemable for new shipbuilding projects in India, making it an invaluable incentive.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, proudly announced these groundbreaking initiatives at the 37th foundation day celebration of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Mumbai, Maharashtra, underscoring the government's commitment to advancing the maritime sector.
