India launches port index, digital maritime reforms to boost trade

India launched the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) for FY 2024–25 and four major digital initiatives aimed at improving governance, transparency and ease of doing business in the maritime sector during the 37th Foundation Day celebrations of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Mumbai. The initiatives were launched by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal.

The LPPI, developed under the Sagar Aankalan framework, is a national benchmarking mechanism designed to assess and improve the operational performance of Indian ports. It aligns with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and aims to strengthen India’s position in global logistics and maritime trade.

Speaking at the event, Sonowal said the LPPI for FY 2024–25 is a major step towards improving the efficiency, transparency and global competitiveness of Indian ports. He said the index would promote continuous improvement and global benchmarking to strengthen India’s position as a leading maritime power.

The LPPI evaluates ports across dry bulk, liquid bulk and container cargo segments using indicators such as cargo handled, vessel turnaround time, berth idle time, pre-berthing waiting time, container dwell time and ship berth day output. The framework gives equal importance to absolute performance and year-on-year improvement to encourage better port operations.

Alongside the LPPI, Sonowal launched four digital initiatives developed by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) to improve service delivery, transparency and accountability for seafarers and maritime stakeholders.

The initiatives include a 24x7 grievance redressal module under the e-Navik platform, a ship registration module on the e-Samudra platform, a medical practitioner module and a Unified Ship Recycling Credit Note module.

Sonowal described the grievance redressal platform as a welfare measure for Indian seafarers, saying it would allow grievances to be filed through multiple channels, including the e-Navik portal, toll-free helplines, WhatsApp and dedicated email services from anywhere in the world.

He said an effective grievance redressal system is important for seafarers who often work far from home under difficult conditions and added that it reflects India’s commitment to the principles of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.

The Minister said the digital ship registration module would simplify vessel registration procedures and align India’s maritime administration with major global shipping nations. He added that the medical practitioner module would streamline the registration and monitoring of doctors authorised to certify seafarers while reducing the risk of fraudulent certifications.

Another reform launched at the event was the Unified Ship Recycling Portal for the Ship Recycling Credit scheme, which forms part of the government’s ₹700 billion maritime development package announced in 2025. Under the scheme, ship owners recycling vessels at Hong Kong Convention-compliant Indian yards can receive a credit note equal to 40 percent of the vessel’s scrap value, redeemable against new shipbuilding projects in India.

Sonowal also praised JNPA’s performance, stating that the port crossed 8 million TEUs and handled more than 102 million metric tonnes of cargo during FY 2025–26.

He said JNPA’s growth over the last 37 years reflected the transformation of India’s maritime sector from a conventional port ecosystem to a globally competitive logistics and trade gateway. He added that government efforts to modernise, mechanise and digitise ports had strengthened JNPA’s position.

The Minister said the launch of the indigenous Vessel Traffic Service (VTS), the AI-powered tender evaluation platform NIVIDA and multiple strategic memorandums of understanding signed during the event reflected the port’s focus on innovation, sustainability and operational excellence.

Among port performers, Paradip Port Authority ranked first in the dry bulk cargo category handling more than 5 million tonnes, while Sikka Port and Terminals led the liquid bulk cargo segment. Mundra Port ranked highest in the container cargo category handling more than 0.5 million TEUs, while Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority secured second place among major container ports.

During his speech, Sonowal said India’s performance in global logistics rankings had improved in recent years. He highlighted that India moved from 44th to 22nd position in the International Shipments category of the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index and that seven Indian ports featured among the top 100 ports in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index 2024.

The event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai Port Authority, JNPA and representatives from the maritime, logistics and trade sectors.