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India is poised to elevate its maritime industry significantly by establishing a national container shipping line by 2030, a move that seeks to bolster domestic capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign carriers. Union Minister Shantanu Thakur outlined this ambitious initiative during a virtual address at the Sustainable Shipbuilding Summit 2025, asserting that the project will facilitate the construction of container vessels in Indian shipyards, targeting 50% domestic production by 2035.

Thakur emphasized that this initiative aligns with India’s broader goal of becoming a global leader in sustainable shipbuilding, backed by policy reforms and technological advancements. He noted that the government is collaborating with premier shipyards to design and construct vessels, supported by robust financial mechanisms. The maritime sector's transformation is critical to achieving India's $2 trillion export target by 2030 and its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070.

The growth trajectory of cargo movement through inland waterways has been remarkable, increasing by over 320% since 2014, which has significantly reduced logistics costs and emissions. This development is part of a comprehensive roadmap that includes the government’s green shipping objectives, aiming for 30% of India's fleet to operate on clean fuels like LNG, methanol, or hydrogen by 2047.

To achieve these goals, plans are underway to enhance India's shipbuilding capacity, aiming for a 5% share of the global market by 2030. Ten world-class shipyards are to be developed through public-private partnerships, with a national shipbuilding policy being drafted to streamline regulations and incentivize tax benefits. This policy will also focus on training 50,000 workers and fostering research in autonomous and green vessels, vital for the industry’s future.

Thakur highlighted the integration of coastal industrial clusters with multimodal logistics frameworks, which will improve supply chain efficiencies and reduce costs. By 2030, shipbuilding hubs in states like Gujarat, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh will be strategically connected to rail and road networks, enhancing operational capabilities.

The government’s maritime development fund will also support modernization in shipyards and foster public-private partnerships, further propelling the sector towards innovation. Thakur called for a united effort among government, industry, and academia to unlock the full potential of India’s maritime sector, establishing the country not just as a participant but a leader in the global shipbuilding landscape. With these strategic initiatives, India is on a promising path to transform into a maritime powerhouse, embracing sustainability and technological advancement in the years to come.