India Launches Port Performance Index, Maritime Digital Platforms to Boost Efficiency and Global Competitiveness
New logistics benchmarking system, ship registration reforms and seafarer welfare initiatives unveiled as maritime sector accelerates digital transformation
The initiatives were unveiled by ports, shipping and waterways minister Sarbananda Sonowal during the 37th Foundation Day celebrations of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Mumbai.
MUMBAI: India has launched a national port performance benchmarking system and a series of digital governance initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, transparency and ease of doing business across the maritime sector.
The initiatives were unveiled by ports, shipping and waterways minister Sarbananda Sonowal during the 37th Foundation Day celebrations of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Mumbai.
At the centre of the reforms is the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) for FY 2024-25, a new benchmarking framework developed under the Sagar Aankalan initiative. The index is designed to assess and improve the performance of Indian ports while supporting the goals of PM Gati Shakti, Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
“We have introduced the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) for FY 2024-25. It is a major step towards improving the efficiency, transparency and global competitiveness of Indian ports,” Sonowal said.
The LPPI evaluates ports across dry bulk, liquid bulk and container cargo segments using key operational indicators including cargo handled, vessel turnaround time, berth idle time, pre-berthing waiting time, container dwell time and ship berth day output.
Alongside the LPPI, the government launched four digital platforms developed by the Directorate General of Shipping to improve governance and service delivery across the maritime ecosystem.
These include a 24×7 grievance redressal module under the e-Navik platform, a ship registration module under e-Samudra, a medical practitioner management platform and a unified ship recycling credit note module.
According to the ministry, the grievance platform will enable seafarers to register complaints through multiple channels including the e-Navik portal, toll-free helplines, WhatsApp and dedicated email services from anywhere in the world.
“An effective grievance redressal mechanism is not merely an administrative necessity but a critical welfare and protection framework for seafarers,” Sonowal said.
The new ship registration module is expected to simplify vessel registration procedures and align India’s maritime administration with global best practices. The medical practitioner module will strengthen oversight of doctors authorised to certify seafarers and help prevent fraudulent certifications.
A key announcement during the event was the launch of the Unified Ship Recycling Portal under the Ship Recycling Credit Scheme. The initiative forms part of the government’s ₹70,000 crore maritime development package announced in 2025.
Under the scheme, ship owners recycling vessels at Hong Kong Convention-compliant Indian shipbreaking yards will receive credit notes equivalent to 40 percent of the vessel’s scrap value, which can be used against new shipbuilding projects in India.
Highlighting the growing strength of Indian ports, Sonowal said JNPA handled more than 102 million metric tonnes of cargo and crossed the 8 million TEU milestone during FY 2025-26.
He also pointed to recent technology-led initiatives at the port, including the launch of an indigenous Vessel Traffic Service (VTS), the AI-powered tender evaluation platform NIVIDA and several strategic industry partnerships.
Among the top performers under the new benchmarking framework, Paradip Port Authority secured the highest ranking in the dry bulk cargo category, while Sikka Port and Terminals led the liquid bulk segment. Mundra Port emerged as the top-ranked container cargo port handling more than 0.5 million TEUs, while JNPA secured the second position among major container ports.
The minister noted that India’s logistics performance has improved significantly in recent years. He cited India’s rise from 44th to 22nd position in the World Bank’s International Shipments ranking and highlighted that seven Indian ports featured among the world’s top 100 ports in the World Bank Container Port Performance Index 2024.
The reforms, the ministry said, are expected to further strengthen India’s maritime ecosystem and support the country’s ambition of becoming a leading global maritime hub.
