From Waiting to Sailing: India’s Ports Boost Trade with Ultra-Fast Ship Turnarounds

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India’s maritime sector marked a significant milestone as Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced the dramatic reduction in ship turnaround times to less than one day at the Maritime Financing Summit 2025 held in New Delhi. This achievement reflects a transformative shift in operational efficiency supported by strong policy and investment momentum.

Key Highlights: Speed, Capacity, and Policy Boost

• The average ship turnaround time at Indian ports has improved sharply, dropping from four days to under one day, surpassing many developed maritime nations.

• Container handling capacity has expanded by over 70 percent at major ports, reinforcing India’s position as a competitive global trading hub.

• Cargo volumes via coastal and inland waterways have multiplied, enhancing multimodal transport convenience and sustainability.

• The government has unlocked investment potential by permitting 100 percent foreign direct investment (FDI) in shipping through the automatic route.

• Simplified customs clearance procedures and the strategic leverage of the GIFT City International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) boost maritime finance opportunities.

• The Maritime Financing Summit gathered senior policymakers, investors, and industry experts to deliberate on financial strategies aligning with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047—India’s roadmap to becoming a world-leading maritime power.

Strategic Outlook and Future Prospects

• The focus extends beyond trade to developing shipbuilding, green maritime infrastructure, and financial resilience.

• India aims to emerge as a global hub not only for maritime commerce but also for innovation and sustainable maritime technologies.

This progress signals a new era of efficiency, investment, and global competitiveness for India’s ports, underscoring their pivotal role in the nation’s economic growth trajectory.

Sources: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Orissa Diary, ANI News