India Plans 62 New Ships With ₹51,383 Crore Investment To Boost Shipping Sector

India is planning to strengthen its shipping sector with a focus on self-reliance.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the country is working on adding 62 vessels in the financial year 2026–27 with an investment of ₹51,383 crore.

This expansion is expected to add 2.85 million gross tonnage (GT) capacity to India’s shipping fleet.

The announcement came during a high-level inter-ministerial review meeting that initially discussed the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on global maritime trade routes.

The meeting later focused on India’s long-term shipping capacity and how to make the maritime sector more resilient.

The meeting was chaired by Sonowal and attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, oil public sector undertakings, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, Directorate General of Shipping, National Shipping Board, and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

During the meeting, Sonowal said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is placing shipping at the centre of economic resilience.

He also asked departments to prepare a detailed but simple white paper that clearly explains gaps in the maritime sector, sets targets, and gives a practical roadmap.

He said this should be prepared in coordination with the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Chemicals and Fertilisers, and Commerce and Industry, as all of them are closely linked with shipping and trade.

Sonowal said the next review will be based on this document and stressed that the inputs should be practical and result-focused. He also said that better coordination between departments is needed to move the plan forward.

The government is also planning to expand different types of vessels, including container ships, LPG carriers, crude oil tankers, dredging vessels, and green tugs.

The aim is to make India better prepared for supply chain disruptions and global shipping challenges.

The minister reviewed cargo movement, vessel operations, and readiness across key maritime segments. He highlighted the need to strengthen both commercial and specialised shipping to support stable supply chains.

He also reviewed the joint venture between the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) and oil public sector undertakings, which plans to acquire 59 vessels. This is expected to support energy transport requirements.

Sonowal also said that SCI is being prepared to build specialised ships, including vessels that can carry ammonia, which is important for future energy needs.

The government also reiterated that safety and security of Indian seafarers remains a priority, especially in sensitive maritime areas. Agencies have been told to stay alert and monitor risks closely.

The meeting ended with a focus on better coordination between ministries and stakeholders to speed up execution of maritime plans.

Reference: PIB