ENA Sectors 2026-04-30 15:51:16 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Apr 30 (KNN)</strong> A high-level inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal brought together officials from key ministries, oil PSUs and regulatory bodies to review preparedness and chart a forward strategy. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In response to evolving global risks, including the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, the government has accelerated efforts to strengthen Indias maritime capabilities, with a focus on building a resilient and self-reliant shipping ecosystem. </span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Expansion of Shipping Capacity</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Sonowal said, We are positioning shipping at the core of Indias economic resilience. Our journey towards Atmanirbhar shipping is a strategic necessity, and we are advancing a roadmap to add 62 vessels in FY 2026 27, backed by Rs 51,383 crore, creating an additional 2.85 million GT capacity.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The plan includes expansion of container ships, LPG and crude carriers, green tugs, dredging vessels and tankers to safeguard supply chains against global disruptions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">He also reviewed cargo flows, vessel movements and progress on a joint venture involving the Shipping Corporation of India and oil PSUs to acquire 59 vessels.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The minister, underscoring the importance of a coordinated national effort, said, We must act with urgency to strengthen our fleet, shipbuilding capacity, port infrastructure, and the broader maritime ecosystem.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Call for Coordinated Policy Action</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Directing a structured policy response, Sonowal asked all concerned departments to prepare a concise, actionable white paper identifying current gaps, setting clear targets and outlining a time-bound roadmap across key maritime pillars, in close coordination with ministries linked to maritime supply chains.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This document will form the basis of our next review on a larger inter-ministerial platform. I expect focused, practical and outcome-oriented inputs. Let us move forward with clarity, coordination and commitment, he added.</span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></strong></em></p> 45978 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/govt-plans-62-new-vessels-to-boost-maritime-capacity-amid-global-risks-minister-sonowal 2026-04-30 15:51:16 knnindia.co.in