The global maritime sector is undergoing a phase of accelerated transformation, driven by rising trade volumes, evolving geopolitical dynamics, and the increasing need for resilient and sustainable supply chains. Global shipbuilding capacity remains highly concentrated: China, South Korea and Japan together account for nearly 93% of total capacity.
India’s maritime sector is central to its economic growth, handling nearly 95% of trade by volume and 70% by value. With over 11,098 km of coastline, 12 major ports, and more than 200 non-major ports, the country is strategically positioned along key global trade routes.
This transformation is supported by a robust policy framework, including the Sagarmala Programme, PM GatiShakti, National Logistics Policy, Maritime India Vision 2030, and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 — collectively focused on enhancing port capacity, strengthening connectivity, and enabling port-led industrialisation.
A critical constraint is the limited availability of long-term, sector-specific financing. Maritime projects are capital-intensive and characterised by long gestation periods. The Government of India has therefore notified the Maritime Development Fund (~₹25,000 crore), the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme, the Shipbuilding Development Scheme, and the Interest Incentivization Fund (₹5,000 crore) to improve project bankability.