India aims to secure 5 pc of global shipbuilding market, establish national container line by 2030: Thakur

The government has set a target of securing 5% share of the global shipbuilding market by 2030 and developing 10 world class shipyards with the support of public-private partnerships and international collaborations, said Mr Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, while addressing via video conference the CII Conference in Goa this week on ‘India’s Shipbuilding Roadmap towards Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047’. 

India’s shipyard modernisation programme is ambitious yet achievable. The 5% share is a significant leap from the country’s current position, which will be achieved through strategic investments in automation, digital twin technology and green shipbuilding innovations, he said. India is moving towards becoming a global hub for sustainable shipbuilding, backed by policy reforms, technological innovation and strong industry-government collaboration.

The Minister also outlined some other transformative initiatives:

* National container shipping line to be established by 2030, with 50% domestic vessel production by 2035.

* 30% of India’s fleet to be powered by clean energy by 2047.

* Training of 50,000 skilled workers under the upcoming National Shipbuilding Policy.

*Creation of coastal industrial clusters integrated with PM Gati Shakti’s multimodal logistics framework.

He further emphasised the integration of shipbuilding hubs with PM Gati Shakti’s multimodal logistics framework, the development of green shipping corridors, and the launch of initiatives such as Sagar Mein Yog and Sagar Mein Samman to empower seafarers, especially women in the maritime sector.

The Goa Shipbuilding Vision Document 2037 was launched at the summit, which outlines a strategic roadmap to transform Goa into a green, smart and export-driven shipbuilding hub. 

Goa’s legacy shipyards and coastal advantage are expected to drive the development of specialised, service-oriented vessels powered by clean energy and advanced technologies. The initiative aligns with India’s broader maritime goals under Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, including sustainability, innovation and global competitiveness.

The document positions Goa as a model for other coastal states and a key contributor to India’s rise from 20th to 10th place globally in shipbuilding.

Mr Thakur also highlighted that inland waterway cargo movement has surged by over 320% since 2014, significantly reducing logistics costs and promoting eco-friendly transport.

The event brought together stakeholders from government, industry and academia to deliberate on the future of shipbuilding in India, and reaffirmed India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in shipbuilding, anchored in the principles of Atmanirbhar Bharat, green growth and the blue economy, highlighted a release. 

Please visit our youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ikargos2719 for fortnightly logistics news analysis and more!