In News:

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has launched the ‘One Nation, One Port Process (ONOP)’, a transformative initiative aimed at standardizing port operations across India to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and bolster India’s position in global trade. This move aligns with PM Gati Shakti, the National Logistics Policy, and India’s ambition to become a leading maritime and logistics hub under Viksit Bharat@2047.

Key Components of the Maritime Reform Package:

1. One Nation, One Port Process (ONOP):

• Seeks uniform documentation and standardized customs procedures across all Indian ports.
• Reduced container operation documents by 33% (from 143 to 96) and bulk cargo documentation by 29% (from 150 to 106).
• Aims to eliminate procedural inconsistencies, boost ease of doing business, and cut logistics delays.

2. Sagar Ankalan – Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI):

• Evaluates performance of major and non-major ports under Bulk (Dry & Liquid) and Container categories.
• Assesses indicators like cargo handling, turnaround time, berth idle time, and container dwell time.
• Encourages data-driven port benchmarking and fosters transparency in maritime logistics.
• Supports India’s improvement in the World Bank’s LPI (International Shipments) – from rank 44 to 22 in 2023.

3. MAITRI (Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface):

• A digital platform using AI and Blockchain to automate trade clearances and enable Virtual Trade Corridors (VTC).
• Initial linkage with UAE, to expand towards BIMSTEC and ASEAN nations.
• Reduces bureaucratic redundancies, improves supply chain integration, and enhances trade resilience.

4. Bharat Ports Global Consortium:

• A collaborative body combining IPGL (operations), SDCL (finance), and IPRCL (infrastructure).
• Focuses on port development, global trade connectivity, and supporting the Make in India initiative.
• Strengthens India's presence in global logistics networks.

5. Financial and Policy Support:

• Launch of a ?25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund to facilitate long-term port and shipping investments.
• Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy 2.0 to aid Indian shipyards in competing globally.
• Customs duty exemptions on shipbuilding inputs extended for 10 years.
• Inclusion of large ships in the Infrastructure Harmonised Master List (HML) to ease access to funding.

6. Sustainability and Green Shipping:

• Launch of the National Centre of Excellence in Green Port and Shipping (NCoEGPS).
• Focus on carbon footprint reduction, cleaner fuels, and eco-friendly port operations.

7. Promotion and Maritime Diplomacy:

• Announcement of India Maritime Week (Oct 27–31, 2025) in Mumbai to showcase India’s Maritime Virasat (Heritage) and Vikaas (Development).
• Will host the 4th Global Maritime India Summit and the 2nd Sagarmanthan Dialogue, with representation from 100 countries and over 1 lakh delegates.

Strategic Significance:

• Aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat, Blue Economy, and India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
• Boosts domestic manufacturing and export potential through better port infrastructure and trade facilitation.
• Reflects India’s push toward a digital, green, and globally competitive maritime sector.