E-Samudra launched to digitise India’s maritime governance

India has launched E-Samudra, a digital platform that brings together services for seafarers, shipping companies, ports and other maritime stakeholders as the government moves to digitise maritime governance.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the platform during a national stakeholder interaction on seafarer security, safety and welfare in Mumbai on August 8. The event was organised by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) under the Ministry.

E-Samudra will provide maritime services through a single digital window, with end-to-end workflows, online payments, real-time tracking and digitally issued certificates. The government said the platform aims to make services more predictable, transparent and time-bound.

The launch was accompanied by several other initiatives focused on seafarer welfare and maritime administration. These include the e-NAVIK 24×7 grievance redressal system, the upcoming Seafarer Tracking Dashboard, the Digital Seafarers Employment Agreement (d-SEA) and enhanced welfare measures under the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society (SWFS).

Sonowal said E-Samudra would help make maritime governance simpler and more transparent while improving ease of living for seafarers and ease of doing business for the maritime sector.

Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Vijay Kumar said India’s maritime policy is anchored on the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and the principle of Minimum Government, Maximum Governance. He said the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 recognises seafarers as key workers.

India’s active seafarer workforce has increased from about 1.03 lakh in 2013 to more than 3.23 lakh in 2025. The government said the growth highlights the need for stronger digital service delivery, regulation and welfare measures.

DGMA Director General Shyam Jagannathan said E-Samudra will move maritime administration from a physical office-based system to a Digital First and Faceless Governance model. The platform is intended to allow seafarers onboard vessels to access government services as easily as those onshore.

The event also highlighted DGMA’s response to recent geopolitical disruptions affecting global shipping. According to the ministry, DGMA monitored more than 16,000 calls, handled over 40,000 communications and coordinated the safe repatriation of more than 4,000 stranded Indian seafarers. This was done with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions, the Indian Navy, shipowners and other maritime stakeholders.

The ministry also highlighted Sagar Mein Yog, which focuses on the physical and mental wellbeing of seafarers, and Sagar Mein Samman, which aims to strengthen opportunities and support for women seafarers.

Sonowal also interacted with representatives of recruitment and placement services, maritime stakeholders, cadets and young maritime professionals on recruitment, employment, welfare, regulatory compliance and career development.

The minister said India has become the second-largest supplier of seafarers globally and expressed confidence that the country would soon become the world’s largest supplier. He also said India has become the world’s leading ship recycling destination and is working towards becoming one of the world’s top five shipbuilding nations.