Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal laid the cornerstone for a Rs 545 crore capital dredging and integrated command and control center at Kamarajar Port. Speaking at the port's silver jubilee celebrations in Chennai, Sonowal emphasized India’s ambition to become a global maritime leader by expanding port capacity and developing a robust shipping ecosystem. The project includes a 3 MTPA IOCL jetty and a Rs 32 crore seawater desalination plant to support local and port needs. Sonowal highlighted the ministry’s focus on quality and timely execution of infrastructure projects, aiming to rank among the top ten maritime nations by 2047.

The central government has granted Adani Group’s Krishnapatnam Port in Andhra Pradesh permission to import petroleum by sea, recognizing the public interest in petroleum imports. The approval, valid from August 25, 2024, to March 1, 2026, aims to enhance crude oil refining on India’s east coast, improving energy cost efficiency amid rising fuel prices. With India importing over 80% of its crude oil, this move supports the nation's energy security. Adani Ports, India’s largest private port operator, manages a vast network across 13 locations, including the key Mundra SEZ.

Knutsen NYK Carbon Carriers and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha are jointly studying the construction of a 40,000-m³ liquefied CO2 (LCO2) tanker, utilizing an elevated-pressure containment system for transport at ambient temperature. The design, approved by DNV in mid-2023, features vertical cylinders for mass production and modular construction, potentially reducing time and costs. The study includes Nihon Shipyard Co. and a feasibility study with JFE Shoji Corp. to confirm production facilities and supply chains. The initiative supports the development of a stable CO2 capture and storage network.

India's maritime sector is on a growth trajectory, with major ports increasing cargo handling. A key development is the Vadhavan port in Maharashtra, which will address capacity constraints at Mumbai and Jawaharlal Nehru Ports. Located 140 km from Mumbai, Vadhavan port will feature nine container terminals and have a capacity of 298 mtpa by 2035. Expected to handle 23.2 million TEUs, it will bolster India's trade capabilities. The port's infrastructure will include road and rail connectivity and advanced cargo handling systems. Once operational, Vadhavan aims to rank among the world’s top 10 container ports.

Under the Sagarmala scheme, Goa is being developed as a key cruise and cargo hub with new terminals, coastal jetties, and improved connectivity. The Union Government, in collaboration with the state, has built an international and domestic cruise terminal and a ferry terminal at Mormugao Port, with a project cost of Rs 101.72 crore, scheduled for completion by March 2025. Additionally, detailed project reports for nine coastal jetties are being prepared to boost cargo traffic. These developments are expected to enhance tourism, create jobs, and improve local connectivity.