India Invests $231m in Maritime Infrastructure to Enhance Blue Economy
By Faridat Salifu
India is setting ambitious goals for its maritime sector as part of its broader strategy to harness the potential of the blue economy.
With a new investment of Rs. 2000 crores (approximately $231.45 million), India is transforming its maritime infrastructure, particularly the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), also known as Nhava Sheva Port, which serves as a critical gateway for international trade and economic growth.
The announcement was made by Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, as part of an effort to enhance the port’s operational efficiency, capacity, and sustainability in line with India’s blue economy goals.
The investment will focus on boosting the port’s overall capacity, improving its environmental footprint, and increasing its operational efficiency to cater to the growing demands of global trade.
A significant milestone was reached when JNPA surpassed 10 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) in capacity in January 2025, marking a key achievement for the port.
Looking ahead, the port’s capacity is projected to increase to 10.4 million TEUs by 2027, further cementing JNPA’s status as one of the most vital ports in India and globally.
One of the major components of this investment is the second phase of the Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal (BMCT), which is expected to add an additional 2.4 million TEUs to JNPA’s capacity.
The expansion will accommodate larger container ships, optimize cargo handling, and improve logistics efficiency across the country.
This expansion not only responds to the increasing global demand for shipping services but also helps reduce the environmental impact by facilitating better planning, less congestion, and smoother port operations, which is crucial for long-term sustainability.
A key focus of the new investment is the integration of sustainable practices into port operations. JNPA is pioneering green initiatives within India’s maritime sector.
One of the most notable of these is the introduction of a solar-powered boat, which represents a shift towards using renewable energy sources in port operations.
This is aligned with India’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and fostering environmental sustainability in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14, which calls for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
In addition to the solar-powered boat, JNPA is set to receive two indigenously developed tugboats and three new fire tenders, further enhancing the safety and operational efficiency of the port.
The tugboats will improve the handling of large vessels, ensuring smoother and safer maneuvers within the port’s busy waters.
The fire tenders will bolster the port’s safety infrastructure, helping mitigate environmental risks associated with shipping accidents or industrial fires.
These investments emphasize the importance of resilience, safety, and sustainability in India’s growing maritime industry.
Another significant move under this investment plan is the series of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) signed to further develop India’s maritime infrastructure.
One such MoU was signed with Reliance Industries for the development of a liquid water jetty and for land allocation under a public-private partnership (PPP) model at the Vadhavan Port.
This project, valued at Rs. 645 crores (around $74.6 million), will help facilitate the growth of India’s maritime sector by enhancing the infrastructure for handling liquid bulk and other cargo.
The partnership with private enterprises demonstrates India’s commitment to leveraging both public and private sector expertise to build sustainable and world-class maritime infrastructure.
The Vadhavan Port Project itself is a crucial part of India’s long-term maritime strategy. Located on the country’s western coast, it is expected to significantly increase India’s cargo handling capacity and become a key node in global shipping networks.
The port is envisioned as a critical link in the “Sagarmala” initiative, which aims to modernize India’s ports and integrate them into the global maritime supply chain.
This development is not just about increasing trade volumes but also about ensuring that India’s maritime sector evolves to meet modern demands for sustainability, efficiency, and environmental stewardship.
India’s investment in its maritime infrastructure is a clear reflection of its growing focus on the blue economy, which seeks to promote economic growth through sustainable use of ocean resources.
The blue economy encompasses a wide range of sectors, from shipping and fisheries to marine renewable energy, and is seen as a key driver of sustainable economic growth globally.
By investing in expanding and modernizing ports like JNPA, India is positioning itself as a leader in the global blue economy. These efforts are designed to not only meet the country’s increasing trade needs but also to ensure that growth is achieved without compromising environmental integrity.
The expansion of port infrastructure, coupled with the adoption of sustainable technologies, plays a crucial role in reducing the maritime industry’s carbon footprint and fostering a more circular and sustainable economy.
The adoption of green initiatives like solar-powered boats, renewable energy use, and the implementation of more efficient operational processes also underscores India’s commitment to reducing its dependence on fossil fuels.
The country is taking proactive steps to make its maritime sector more energy-efficient, which is vital for achieving the global climate goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. Moreover, the introduction of safety measures, such as fire tenders and enhanced emergency response protocols, shows India’s proactive approach to protecting its marine resources and coastal ecosystems from potential harm.
India’s $231 million investment in its maritime infrastructure is not just about enhancing capacity and improving trade efficiency—it’s about creating a sustainable, resilient, and eco-friendly maritime industry that aligns with the principles of the blue economy.
By focusing on renewable energy, operational efficiency, and safety, the country is setting a global example of how to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
As the port infrastructure evolves, so too does India’s role in the global maritime economy.
With the Vadhavan Port Project and other strategic initiatives, India is well-positioned to become a major player in the blue economy, driving sustainable growth and strengthening its position in international trade for years to come.