In News:

Recently, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, launched a series of digital and sustainability-driven initiatives aimed at modernising India’s maritime sector. These reforms are aligned with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

Major Digital and Policy Initiatives Launched

1. Digital Centre of Excellence (DCoE)

• MoU signed between: MoPSW and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC)
• Objective: Accelerate digital transformation across Indian ports
• Key Features:
  • Application of AI, IoT, Blockchain to optimize maritime logistics
  • Drive real-time operational upgrades
  • Support green and sustainable port operations
• Strategic Alignment: Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat, Viksit Bharat @2047

2. SAGAR SETU Platform

• Type: Unified digital interface for maritime trade and EXIM operations
• Go-Live Date: 26th June 2025
• Integration: Connects 80+ ports and 40+ stakeholders
• Objective:
  • Streamline cargo and vessel documentation
  • Enable paperless, seamless, and transparent logistics
  • Improve Ease of Doing Business (EoDB)
• Linked with: PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan

3. DRISHTI Framework

• Full Form: Data-driven Review Institutional System for Tracking Implementation
• Purpose: Real-time monitoring of projects under Maritime India Vision 2030
• Key Pillars:
  • KPI Monitoring
  • Progress & Achievements Tracking
  • Organisational Oversight
  • Functional Cell Coordination
• Strategic Value: Informed decision-making, faster project delivery

4. Standardised Scale of Rates (SOR) Template for Major Ports

• Objective: Standardise port tariffs to remove inconsistencies and improve transparency
• Features:
  • Uniform structure for port tariffs
  • Digitally comparable rates across ports
  • Ports retain flexibility for local economic conditions
• Expected Impact:
  • Enhances investor confidence
  • Improves user experience
  • Aligns with global maritime practices

Sustainability & Clean Energy: Hydrogen Transition Roadmap

Gateway to Green Report

Title: Gateway to Green — Assessing Port Readiness for Green Hydrogen Transition in India

• Released by: Ministry of Ports in collaboration with the Indian Ports Association (IPA)
• Objective: Transform Indian ports into green hydrogen hubs by 2030
• Strategic Goals:
  • Produce 5 million tonnes of Green Hydrogen by 2030
  • Develop infrastructure for production, storage, and export
  • Leverage India’s maritime geography for clean energy leadership
• Targeted Ports for Hydrogen Transition:

• V.O. Chidambaranar Port
• Paradip Port
• Deendayal Port
• Jawaharlal Nehru Port
• Mumbai Port
• Cochin Port

• Key Action Areas:
  • Land allocation for hydrogen projects
  • Demand stimulation and investor facilitation
  • International collaborations for knowledge and finance
  • Shared infrastructure models

Strategic Relevance for India

• Economic Impact:
  • Enhances trade competitiveness and reduces logistics cost
  • Modernises infrastructure to global benchmarks
  • Boosts Make in India and port-led development
• Digital Governance:
  • Promotes data-driven decision-making
  • Enables real-time monitoring and performance tracking
• Environmental Sustainability:
  • Aligns with India’s National Hydrogen Mission
  • Ports act as catalysts for clean energy transition