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Key Points

India has dramatically reduced ship turnaround times at ports to under a day, surpassing many advanced nations. The government highlighted a 70% growth in container capacity and rising cargo volumes through waterways. Key reforms include the Maritime Development Fund and extended financial incentives for shipbuilding. Officials aim to position India as a global maritime leader in trade, finance, and green infrastructure.

Key Points: India Cuts Ship Turnaround Time to Under 1 Day at Ports

  • Ship turnaround time slashed from 4 days to under 1
  • Cargo volumes surge with 70% container capacity growth
  • Maritime Development Fund to boost shipyard investments
  • Policy reforms like Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme enhanced
2 min read

Ship turnaround time at Indian ports now less than 1 day: Minister

Indian ports now outperform global peers with sub-1-day turnaround, says Sarbananda Sonowal, as maritime investments surge.

"Our goal is clear—to make India a global maritime hub not just in trade, but also in finance and green infrastructure. — Sarbananda Sonowal"

New Delhi, July 25

The Indian ports have significantly improved operational efficiency, with the average turnaround time for ships reduced from 4 days to less than 1 day, outperforming many advanced nations, according to Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Container capacity at major ports has grown by over 70 per cent, and cargo volumes through coastal and inland waterways have multiplied, he said an an event here.

“With 100 per cent FDI permitted in shipping under the automatic route, simplified customs clearance and the strategic advantage of GIFT City IFSC, India now offers one of the most attractive investment ecosystems in the maritime domain. Our goal is clear to make India a global maritime hub not just in trade, but also in finance, shipbuilding and green maritime infrastructure,” the minister told the gathering at the ‘Maritime Financing Summit 2025.’

Minister of State Shantanu Thakur said, “India’s maritime ambitions cannot be fulfilled without reliable, long-term financial foundations”.

“We are committed to ensuring that enabling policies, business-friendly reforms and international partnerships create an environment where Indian shipping can grow and lead. Our coastline is a gateway to opportunity, and through shared vision and effort, India will emerge as a global maritime leader,” Thakur added.

Another key announcement was the proposed Maritime Development Fund (MDF), a dedicated blended finance vehicle aimed at lowering capital costs and attracting long-term investment into shipyards, coastal infrastructure and inland waterways. The MDF has been developed through wide-ranging consultations with over 100 stakeholders, including global investors, shipowners, insurance companies and financial institutions.

Policy measures such as recognising large vessels as infrastructure assets, extending the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) to overcome the cost disadvantage and provide a long term visibility on the financial incentives available in the sector and enabling ship leasing through GIFT City IFSC were discussed as transformative steps to enhance India’s global competitiveness in the maritime and shipbuilding sectors.

It was highlighted that policy initiatives such as the Merchant Shipping Bill and the Coastal Shipping Bill are being pursued to support Indian-flagged tonnage. Parliament passed Bills of Lading Bill 2025 which aims to simplify legal framework for shipping documents.

“Capital support for greenfield capacity expansion involving the creation of new shipbuilding clusters and brownfield expansion to enhance existing shipyards’ capacity through a coordinated approach between the Centre and States, is envisioned,” said the ministry.

—IANS

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great progress, but I hope this efficiency reaches all ports uniformly. Smaller ports in eastern India still face delays. Also, environmental impact of increased shipping needs attention.
V
Vikram M
From 4 days to less than 1 day? That's some solid 'Make in India' progress! This will reduce costs for exporters and make our goods more competitive globally. Kudos to the team behind this achievement 👏
R
Rohit P
As someone working in logistics, I can confirm the improvements are real. But ground staff needs better training to maintain these standards. Also, night shift facilities at ports need upgrading.
S
Sarah B
Impressive numbers! The focus on green maritime infrastructure is particularly encouraging. India could become a leader in sustainable shipping if these policies are implemented properly.
K
Karthik V
Hope the benefits reach common people too. Faster ports should mean cheaper imports - from electronics to medicines. Waiting to see if prices actually come down in local markets.
N
Nisha Z
Good initiative but implementation is key. Remember how many projects get announced but face delays? Hope this maritime push doesn't get stuck in bureaucratic red tape.

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