India has over 50,000 miles of coastline and has 12 major ports and 200 smaller ports. According to the Ministry of Shipping, 95% of India’s trading by volume and 70% by value is done through maritime transport. In 2022, all key ports in India handled 650 million tons of cargo. Along with being poised in such a great position for exports, India also houses the largest ship-breaking facility in the world, Alang, in Eastern Gujarat. The largest port in the country is Mumbai, accounting for 20% of India’s total exports. Turn-around time at Indian ports has reached 0.9 days, better than the US (1.5 days), Australia (1.7) and Singapore (1.0) according to the India Times.
Foreign and Domestic Companies
PSA Mumbai reached a milestone in January of 2024, creating the first container terminal powered by renewable energy in India. The terminal’s CO2 equivalent emissions will be reduced by a projected 17,000 tons annually. PSA International also operates 5 other ports along India’s coastline. Denmark’s Maersk is also a leading cargo carrier in India.
India-based company, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, is the largest commercial ports operator in India, accounting for almost 25% of the cargo movement in India, with presence in 7 states at 13 ports.
Government Policies
In 2023, India established the Harit Sagar Guidelines, or “Green Oceans”. These guides are focused on creating a more sustainable port system and working towards India’s 2070 Zero Carbon Emission goal. This includes lowering greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, marine litter, and noise pollution.
Also in 2023, India announced the 1 trillion dollar Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, a roadmap for maritime development. Some of the initiatives include development of cruise terminals, new port developments, and increasing India’s ship recycling capacities.
