Maritime News, Delhi: India has unveiled a new national benchmarking framework for ports and launched four major digital maritime reforms aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, seafarer welfare and ease of doing business across the shipping ecosystem.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal launched the initiatives during the 37th Foundation Day celebrations of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Mumbai.
At the centre of the reforms is the introduction of the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) for FY 2024-25, a national framework designed to benchmark and improve operational performance across Indian ports.
New Port Performance Index to Drive Efficiency
Developed under the Sagar Aankalan framework, the LPPI is intended to strengthen India’s competitiveness in global logistics and maritime trade by encouraging continuous improvement and performance benchmarking.
The index aligns with key national initiatives including:
- PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan
- Maritime India Vision 2030
- Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047
The LPPI evaluates ports across three major cargo categories:
- Dry Bulk Cargo
- Liquid Bulk Cargo
- Container Cargo
Performance is measured using operational indicators such as:
- cargo handled
- vessel turnaround time
- berth idle time
- pre-berthing waiting time
- container dwell time
- ship berth day output
The framework gives equal importance to current operational performance and year-on-year improvement, encouraging ports to continuously enhance efficiency.
Four Digital Maritime Reforms Unveiled
Alongside the LPPI, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) launched four digital platforms aimed at modernising maritime administration and service delivery.
The initiatives include:
1. 24×7 Grievance Redressal Module
Integrated into the e-Navik platform, the system enables Indian seafarers to file complaints and seek assistance through:
- e-Navik portal
- toll-free helplines
- dedicated email channels
from anywhere in the world.
The move is expected to strengthen seafarer welfare and improve compliance with international labour standards.
2. Digital Ship Registration Module
A new ship registration platform has been launched under the e-Samudra portal, aimed at simplifying vessel registration procedures and improving ease of doing business for shipowners.
Officials say the reform will help align India’s maritime administration with global best practices followed by leading shipping nations.
3. Medical Practitioner Module
The third reform focuses on registration and monitoring of doctors authorised to certify seafarers.
The platform is expected to:
- streamline medical certification
- improve transparency
- reduce risks associated with fraudulent certifications
for maritime professionals.
4. Unified Ship Recycling Portal
One of the most significant reforms announced was the launch of a Unified Ship Recycling Credit Note Module under the Government’s Ship Recycling Credit Scheme.
The initiative forms part of India’s ₹70,000 crore maritime development package announced in 2025.
Under the scheme:
- Shipowners recycling vessels at Hong Kong Convention-compliant Indian yards
- Receive credit notes equal to 40% of the vessel’s scrap value
- Credits can be redeemed against new shipbuilding projects in India
The measure is intended to support domestic shipbuilding and strengthen India’s ship recycling ecosystem.
India’s Logistics Rankings Continue to Improve
Highlighting India’s growing maritime competitiveness, Sonowal noted that the country’s ranking in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index improved from 44th to 22nd position in the International Shipments category.
He also pointed out that seven Indian ports featured among the world’s top 100 ports in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index 2024.
The improvements reflect ongoing investments in port infrastructure, mechanisation, digitalisation and logistics efficiency.
Port Performance Leaders Identified
The newly released LPPI also highlighted top-performing ports across cargo segments.
Among major performers:
- Paradip Port Authority topped the Dry Bulk Cargo category
- Sikka Port and Terminals led the Liquid Bulk Cargo category
- Mundra Port ranked first in the Container Cargo category handling more than 0.5 million TEUs
- JNPA secured second position among major container ports in the same category
The rankings are expected to create healthy competition and drive further operational improvements across India’s port sector.
Maritime Digitalisation Becomes Central to Growth Strategy
The reforms signal India’s growing emphasis on technology-driven maritime governance as it seeks to position itself among the world’s leading maritime economies.
Industry experts believe digitalisation, performance benchmarking and seafarer-centric services will play a crucial role in improving:
- port productivity
- regulatory transparency
- ship registration processes
- maritime workforce welfare
- investor confidence
As India expands its maritime infrastructure and logistics capabilities, initiatives such as LPPI and digital governance platforms are expected to strengthen the country’s position in global shipping and trade networks.
