India’s maritime sector achieved a significant global milestone as the country has now ranked third in the world for constructing general dry cargo vessels used in European short sea trade, according to private industry data referenced by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal.

This landmark achievement is not only a testament to India’s rising capabilities in shipbuilding and maritime engineering, but also signals the success of the government’s long-term strategy. Mr. Sonowal credited the accomplishment to the bold vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, aimed at transforming India into a global maritime powerhouse.

"Make in India, Make for the World" Becomes Reality

Minister Sonowal emphasized that this progress was not coincidental but the result of sustained, strategic interventions under the “Make in India, Make for the World” initiative. The government has invested heavily in skilling, infrastructure, regulatory reforms, and financial incentives to promote shipbuilding for global clients, especially in niche markets such as short sea cargo vessels, which are integral to Europe’s intra-regional trade.

By aligning national ambitions with global demands, India has successfully positioned its shipyards to deliver international-standard vessels, helping secure orders from European nations that demand quality, efficiency, and cost-competitiveness.

Maritime India Vision 2030 Driving Sectoral Growth

At the heart of this transformation is the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030, a comprehensive blueprint with 150 targeted initiatives designed to boost various aspects of the maritime sector — from port infrastructure and logistics to shipbuilding and inland waterways development.

Key metrics and indicators of progress under MIV 2030 over the past three years include:

• Increase in Major Port capacity from 1,598 MMTPA in 2022 to 1,630 MMTPA in 2024

• Reduction in Vessel Turn Around Time (TAT) from 53 hours to 48 hours

• Growth in Ship Berth Day Output from 16,000 MT to 18,900 MT

These figures reflect significant strides in operational efficiency and cargo handling capacity, making Indian ports more competitive and responsive to international shipping demands.

Fiscal Support and Investment: Strong Financial Backbone

India’s rise in the global shipbuilding arena has also been fuelled by robust capital expenditure. In FY 2023-24, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways reported:

• A 37% increase in capital expenditure, amounting to Rs. 7,571 crore (US$ 882.50 million)

• A 54% rise in Gross Budget Support (GBS), reaching Rs. 1,687 crore (US$ 196.64 million)

These financial commitments helped support around 75 new port development projects, all aimed at boosting cargo capacity, modernizing infrastructure, and improving service delivery.

Global Recognition and Future Goals

Achieving the third position in dry cargo vessel construction for Europe cements India’s place in the upper echelons of global maritime capability. The accomplishment also highlights the confidence of international clients in Indian engineering, manufacturing, and shipyard practices.

The Indian government now aims to:

• Further scale up shipbuilding exports, particularly to Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia

• Expand and modernize existing shipyards while setting up new coastal manufacturing clusters

• Strengthen green shipping capabilities in line with sustainability goals under MIV 2030

Conclusion: Charting India’s Maritime Future

India’s emergence as the 3rd largest builder of general dry cargo vessels for European short sea trade is a watershed moment. It not only reflects technical prowess and global credibility, but also signifies the realisation of strategic maritime policies.

Under the stewardship of PM Narendra Modi’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, supported by robust financial outlays and reform-driven frameworks like MIV 2030, the Indian maritime sector is transitioning from regional relevance to global leadership.

As Minister Sonowal aptly put it, this success demonstrates how India's ambition to “Make in India, Make for the World” is now being translated into globally recognised outcomes — reinforcing India’s role as a trusted shipbuilding and maritime hub on the world stage.

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