Shipping Companies in India: Pioneering Trends and Innovations for Tomorrow

23/10/2025

Updated: 20/01/2026

Key Takeaways:

India’s Maritime Vision 2030 outlines over 150 initiatives to modernize ports, improve connectivity, and position the country as a global maritime leader.
From AI-driven smart ports to green hydrogen and eco-tugboats, India is embracing digitalization and sustainability to future-proof its shipping industry.
With deep‑water ports, strong trade partnerships, and the rapid expansion of shipping companies in India - including new state‑backed national carriers - the country is strengthening its role in international maritime trade.

With 12 major ports and over 200 smaller ports along its 7500km coastline, India is a country with significant maritime strength and importance.

Over the last five years, India’s port capacity has increased by 65%, with 54% of the country’s cargo being handled by major ports including Mumbai, Deendayal, and Jawaharlal Nehru.

But this drive towards progress isn’t set to stop anytime soon. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways announced plans to help India become a global maritime leader by 2030.

India’s plans for the future: MIV 2030

Known as the Maritime India Vision 2030, this governmental strategy has been developed through input from 350+ stakeholders across 250 sessions. As a result, the MIV 2030 has identified more than 150 initiatives across 10 key themes, including:

This visionary roadmap is designed to help India lead the global maritime sector through coordinated, sustainable, and inclusive growth.

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Embracing Innovation at Sea: Key Advancements in Indian Shipping

There have already been several key advancements in the Indian shipping industry, helping the nation expand its maritime horizons. These include:

Digitalization and Smart Shipping

One advancement is the adoption of technology in everyday operations by shipping companies in India. The use of blockchain, AI, and IoT in major ports such as Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and Mundra to enhance tracking, automation, and real-time cargo monitoring has resulted in increased efficiency and reduced turnaround times for cargo.

This has led to improvement in overall operations and supply chain manageability, further aiding the development of India’s maritime industry.

Expansion of Port Infrastructure

Another innovative strategy aiding the advancement of shipping in India is the expansion of the port infrastructure. The Sagarmala Programme, which focuses on port modernization, new port development, and port connectivity is designed to reduce logistics costs. As a result of improved logistics costs, this could help shipping companies in India increase profitability and therefore scale up operations using the extra available resources.

Strengthening India’s Role in Global Trade

From investing in maritime infrastructure to modernized ports and shipping facilities to favourable tax policies and financial support, these strategies have already helped to enhance India’s competitiveness within the global marketplace.

Legislative efforts have helped align India with wider global conventions. As a result, investor confidence has been improved, which has encouraged further international trade interest and the opportunity for further trade opportunities.

Sustainability and Green Shipping Initiatives

The introduction of the 'Harit Sagar' Green Port Guidelines by the Indian government has encouraged the shipping industry to use renewable energy sources to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability.

Further initiatives include the Green Tug Transition programme which aims to transition tugboats to greener propulsion systems and the National Green Hydrogen Mission that promotes the use of green hydrogen as an alternative fuel source.

By incorporating sustainability initiatives into everyday operations, shipping companies in India are able to meet ESG standards, attracting more import/export clients with sustainability goals and helping to foster global trade opportunities.

Expansion in Global Markets

Another strategic initiative being implemented by shipping companies in India is by developing strategic partnerships with Adani Ports and the Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) to help with the growth of the Vizhinjam Port in Kerala. As India’s first deepwater transshipment port, this infrastructure will help enhance India’s export efficiency and position the country as an even more significant player in global trade.

There are also governmental plans to launch a state-owned shipping company ‘Bharat Container Line’ which is set to help businesses within India to manage shipping costs more effectively and ensure consistent services for exporters and importers.

Ecommerce and Last-Mile Delivery

Another approach being adopted to strengthen India’s position in international trade is the use of AI and machine learning technology to help support the ecommerce sector. Utilizing these technologies is designed to optimize routing and provide real-time tracking and insights, helping to enhance product delivery and drive customer satisfaction and investment.

Equally, the push to create networks of local couriers and advanced warehousing solutions to help businesses overcome last-mile delivery challenges could be key in strengthening India’s import and export market.

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FAQs

Some of the challenges faced by shipping companies in India can include:

Infrastructure gaps in smaller ports
High logistics costs compared to global benchmarks
Cybersecurity and digital adoption barriers
Balancing rapid growth with sustainability

Maritime India Vision is a roadmap by India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways designed to strengthen the maritime sector. It includes 150+ initiatives such as improving connectivity, expanding port capacity, and enhancing smart technology. The blueprint is designed to focus on sustainability, the development of inland waterways, and increasing India’s role in global trade.

Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 is a long‑term roadmap launched in October 2023 to transform India’s maritime sector.

It aims to modernise ports, enhance logistics efficiency, and expand coastal and inland water transport for a more competitive maritime ecosystem.
The vision emphasises digitalisation, sustainability, and green port development to support the growth of India’s blue economy.
It also includes strengthening shipbuilding and repair capacity, with policies to modernise shipyards and boost domestic capabilities.
Ultimately, it seeks to position India as a leading global maritime hub by 2047.

Key innovations adopted by Indian shipping companies include:

Digitalisation such as AI, blockchain, and IoT for smart ports and cargo tracking.
Sustainability initiatives like the Green Port Guidelines, renewable energy use, and eco-friendly tugboats.
Infrastructure projects including expansion of deepwater ports like Vizhinjam and port modernisation under the Sagarmala Programme.

Shipping Companies in India: Pioneering Trends and Innovations for Tomorrow

India’s plans for the future: MIV 2030