Maritime sector posts 7.06% growth, boosted by higher capex, fleet expansion and skilled workforce.

Major Ports Handle 915.17 MT Cargo in FY26, Surpassing Annual Target: Sonowal.

India’s major ports handled a combined 915.17 million tonnes (MT) of cargo in FY26, exceeding the annual target of 904 MT, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said. The achievement represents a 7.06% year-on-year growth, reflecting strong recovery, improved efficiency, and sustained momentum in the maritime sector. The Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways said capital expenditure by the ministry and its attached organisations rose sharply to ₹14,953 crore in FY26, compared to ₹9,708 crore in FY25. During the year, 94 ships were added to the Indian flag, increasing capacity by 25.67 lakh DWT, a significant jump over the previous year. Sonowal highlighted India’s growing global maritime footprint, noting that Indian seafarers now account for nearly 12% of the global workforce, placing India among the top three seafarer-supplying nations. The government aims to raise this share to 20% by 2030. He reiterated that initiatives such as Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 will guide India’s journey toward becoming a leading maritime nation, with sustainability and the Blue Economy at the core of long-term growth.