India now ranks third in building general dry cargo vessels for European short sea trade: Sarbananda Sonowal

By Admin

06 Jun, 2025

India has proudly secured the 3rd position in building general dry cargo vessels for the European short sea trade, as announced by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal. This significant achievement is backed by private data and stands as a testament to India’s rising shipbuilding capabilities and global recognition in the maritime sector.

Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 Driving the Transformation

Attributing this accomplishment to the bold Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister Sonowal emphasized that India's shipbuilding ambitions have moved beyond blueprints and are now actively shaping vessels in shipyards that are gaining global acceptance.

On social media platform X, Sonowal proudly stated, “From strategic reforms to skilling our workforce, every step taken by the Modi Govt is making Make in India, Make for the World a reality. Our rise proves India means business and the world knows it.”

Maritime India Vision 2030: A Blueprint for Global Leadership

The Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 acts as the cornerstone of this transformation. Encompassing 150 forward-looking initiatives, MIV 2030 provides a comprehensive roadmap for developing India's ports, shipping infrastructure, and inland waterways. It targets holistic sectoral growth across 10 interconnected themes:

• Modernization of port infrastructure
  
  

• Enhancement of logistics and efficiency
  
  

• Expansion of Indian shipbuilding tonnage
  
  

• Boosting coastal and inland waterway traffic
  
  

• Technological innovation and policy backing
  
  

• Sustainable maritime practices
  
  

• Strengthening international partnerships
  
  

Impact in Numbers: Steady Progress in 3 Years

India’s progress under MIV 2030 is clearly visible in the results achieved over the past three years:

• Major Port Capacity has risen from 1598 MMTPA in FY 2022 to 1630 MMTPA in FY 2024.
  
  

• Vessel Turn Around Time (TAT) improved significantly, reduced from 53 hours in FY 2022 to 48 hours in FY 2024.
  
  

• Ship Berth Day Output increased from 16,000 MT in FY 2022 to 18,900 MT in FY 2024.
  
  

• Capital Expenditure witnessed a 37% surge, reaching Rs. 7,571 crore in FY 2024 from Rs. 5,527 crore in FY 2022.
  
  

• Gross Budget Support (GBS) increased by 54%, from Rs. 1,099 crore to Rs. 1,687 crore in the same period.
  
  

• Over 75 port development projects were awarded across major ports to expand cargo handling and operational capacity.
  
  

Conclusion: A New Era in Indian Shipbuilding

India’s ascension in the European shipbuilding market is not just a matter of statistics it reflects the country's resolve to become a global maritime leader. From policy frameworks like MIV 2030 to the ground-level execution of port and vessel infrastructure, India is setting sail toward a future where Make in India is synonymous with Excellence for the World.

As the nation continues to move forward on this maritime mission, the world is beginning to see India not just as a regional player but as a global force in shipping and trade.