Initiatives in India’s Maritime Sector

 Key Facts for Prelims

Initiatives in India’s Maritime Sector

Why in News?

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has launched several key initiatives to modernize India’s maritime infrastructure.

What Are the Key Initiatives Taken to Modernize Maritime Infrastructure?

• One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP): This initiative standardizes port operations, minimizing documentation discrepancies. By implementing the ONOP process, the Ministry has reduced container operation documents by 33% and bulk cargo documents by 29%.

• Sagar Ankalan – Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) 2023-24: This index assesses port efficiency based on metrics such as turnaround time, berth idle time, and cargo handling performance.

• Bharat Global Ports Consortium: This initiative aims to expand India’s maritime presence by involving key stakeholders in port operations, finance, and infrastructure development. The consortium, comprising India Ports Global Ltd (operations), Sagarmala Development Company Limited (finance), and Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Corporation Limited (infrastructure development), will focus on port expansion, operations, and financing, enhancing India’s position in global trade and logistics.

• MAITRI Platform: The Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface (MAITRI) seeks to digitize trade documentation, reduce processing time, optimize trade flows, and support sustainable development. It facilitates the Virtual Trade Corridor (VTC) between India and the UAE (under IMEC) and plans to expand to BIMSTEC and ASEAN, utilizing AI and Blockchain for greater efficiency and security.

• National Centre of Excellence in Green Port & Shipping (NCoEGPS): This initiative focuses on promoting eco-friendly shipping practices and reducing the carbon footprint. It advocates the use of cleaner fuels and environmentally-friendly port management, aiming to create a sustainable maritime ecosystem in line with global environmental standards.

Initiatives for the Maritime Sector in the Union Budget 2025-26

• Maritime Development Fund (MDF): A Rs 25,000 crore fund dedicated to supporting the maritime sector through equity and debt financing.
• Ship Breaking Credit Note Scheme: This scheme incentivizes ship scrapping by issuing a credit note of 40% of the scrap value, which can be redeemed for purchasing new "Made in India" ships.
• Infrastructure HML (Harmonised Master List): Large ships will be added to the Infrastructure Harmonised Master List (HML), facilitating long-term financing, tax incentives, private investment, and fleet modernization.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year’s Questions (PYQs)

Prelims

Q. Consider the following regarding the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): (2017)

• The inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.
• IONS is a voluntary initiative aimed at increasing maritime cooperation among the navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (b)

Q. With reference to the ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, consider the following statements:

• It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and oil spill accidents.
• It is an alliance focused solely on maritime security.

Which of the statements above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (d)

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