Jindal Stainless has developed India’s first stainless steel container for salt transport for Indian Railways. The 20-foot container, made from corrosion-resistant 304 and JT grade steel, successfully completed trials at Bhimasar, Gujarat. Designed for durability and sustainability, it offers 33-tonne payload capacity, 15–20 years lifespan, and lower lifecycle costs. Developed as per Research Designs and Standards Organisation norms, it enables efficient, contamination-free, multimodal bulk salt logistics.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India has transported a 189.260 metric tonne over-dimensional cargo via National Waterway 2, supporting Assam’s semiconductor ambitions. The shipment for Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt Ltd moved from Diamond Harbour through the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route to Pandu and onward to Silghat. This operation highlights inland waterways as a cost-effective, green alternative for heavy industrial cargo and aligns with the government’s PM Gati Shakti initiative to strengthen multimodal logistics and regional industrial growth.

Mediterranean Shipping Company has warned it may shift its transshipment base from Vizhinjam International Seaport after India revoked cabotage relaxations. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways scrapped general orders allowing foreign-flagged coastal operations, aiming to prioritise domestic shipping. Since December 2024, MSC vessels have handled over 95% of Vizhinjam’s 1.575 million TEUs. The move underscores tensions between policy objectives and commercial strategies as India seeks to rival hubs like Port of Colombo and Singapore.

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.