The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) is establishing the India Maritime Centre (IMC).

It is a cornerstone initiative under the Maritime India Vision 2030. 

Maritime India Vision 2030

• India comprises a significant size maritime sector with 12 major and over 200 non-major ports situated along its 7,500 km long coastline and a vast network of navigable waterways. 

• The country’s maritime sector plays a crucial role in its overall trade and growth, with 95 per cent of the country’s trade volume and 65 per cent of the trade value being undertaken through maritime transport.

• With the objective of propelling India to the forefront of the global maritime sector, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has formulated Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030), a blueprint to ensure coordinated and accelerated growth of India’s maritime sector in the next decade. 

• It lays the groundwork for a decade of strategic development, emphasizing the enhancement of global competitiveness and a steadfast dedication to environmental responsibility.

• MIV 2030 identifies over 150 initiatives across various maritime sub-sectors like ports, shipping and waterways. These initiatives particularly focus on operational efficiency improvement, port-driven industrialisation and creating safe and sustainable world class ports to address the growing trade volume needs, as well as reducing logistics cost through better evacuation and cost effective processes.

• Complementing this, the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 unveils a comprehensive roadmap, epitomising ambition in the evolution of India’s maritime sector — envisioning sustainability, efficiency, and global competitiveness as the cornerstones of its progress.

• Together, these visions articulate a narrative of progress, innovation, and responsible stewardship, defining India’s role as a maritime powerhouse on the global stage.

• Recently a meeting was held with stakeholders to finalise the constitution, procedures, documentation, and necessary infrastructure for the IMC’s operationalisation.

India Maritime Centre (IMC)

• The IMC aims to provide a unified platform for the Indian maritime industry, acting as a think tank for policy formulation and industry recommendations. 

Its primary goals include:

i) Strengthening India’s participation in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and global maritime forums.

ii) Creating a robust domestic maritime sector through a unified and synchronised approach.

iii) Conducting flagship events to build a strong global brand for the Indian maritime cluster.

iv) Providing expert analysis and recommendations for sustainable growth.

v) Establishing platforms for industry stakeholders to collaborate and network.

vi) Creating a pool of funds to support the industry, including startups.

• The establishment of the India Maritime Centre will mark a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to bolster the maritime sector in India. 

• The IMC will serve as a central platform for collaboration, innovation, and policy advocacy, ensuring sustainable growth and enhancing India’s position in the global maritime community.

• The IMC is poised to be a pivotal institution in advancing India’s maritime interests both domestically and internationally. By fostering collaboration, driving policy advocacy, and providing expert analysis, the IMC will play a crucial role in shaping the future of India's maritime sector.

• Mumbai has been finalised as the location for the IMC.

• IMC Secretariat shall be built as a world-class facility, including equipped conference area, meeting rooms.

• India represents one of the largest and complex maritime industries and the country needs a unified approach to maritime policy across different sub-sectors.

• Countries like South Korea and Japan have a unified approach to maritime policy across different sub-sectors.

• The Task Force for the IMC was formed in January 2024 and divided into sub-groups focused on awareness and outreach, infrastructure and operationalisation, and procedure and documentation. 

• Regarding procedure and documentation, plans are in place to set up the centre as a Section 8 company.

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