On 29 October 2025, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India announced the launch of India’s first national container carrier, Bharat Container Shipping Line, during India Maritime Week 2025. To realize this vision, an MoU was signed on 3 February 2026 in New Delhi by Container Corporation of India Ltd and key maritime stakeholders to form a JV. The initiative will acquire and operate container vessels, strengthen EXIM and coastal trade, promote multimodal logistics integration, and boost ancillary sectors like shipbuilding and container manufacturing.

Andhra Pradesh is advancing plans to establish a major shipbuilding and repair cluster, in line with Union Budget priorities. A 2,000-acre SPV-led project at Duggarajapatnam under the PPP model will complement existing facilities near Kakinada Port. With key ports such as Visakhapatnam Port and strong inland waterways potential, including the Buckingham Canal, the initiative is expected to boost employment, enhance maritime capacity, and strengthen the state’s role in India’s maritime growth strategy.

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha has agreed in principle with GAIL (India) Limited and J M Baxi Group for joint ownership of an LNG carrier under construction at Samsung Heavy Industries. On delivery, the 174,000 m³ vessel will operate under a long-term charter with GAIL. Measuring about 290 metres with a service speed of 19.5 knots, the project strengthens regional energy shipping ties and strategic maritime collaboration in Asia.

Vijay Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, reviewed performance at the Chennai Port Authority and inaugurated infrastructure upgrades worth ₹54.27 crore. Key projects included a ₹29.8 crore passenger terminal for Andaman and Nicobar travellers, a ₹22.58 crore indigenous Vessel Traffic Monitoring System and new navigational aids. Work also began on refurbishing Port Gate 2. Emphasising alignment with Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, Kumar assessed operational challenges and explored opportunities to enhance efficiency, safety and commercial growth at the port.

The government has revoked the partial relaxation of India’s cabotage regime, reinstating restrictions that reserve coastal trade for Indian-flagged vessels, effective three months from January 21. After consultations and a DG Shipping review, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways concluded that the 2018 relaxations failed to cut transshipment, reduce costs, or boost Indian container capacity. Persistent dependence on foreign carriers, stagnant domestic fleets and higher freight costs prompted the rollback, aligning with Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and upcoming initiatives like the Bharat Container Shipping Line.