India Unveils Maritime Digital Transformation at IT Conclave 2025 for Smart Blue Economy

In a defining moment for India’s maritime sector, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) hosted the high-profile “IT Conclave 2025 – Leveraging Technology in Maritime” in the capital today. The event, attended by senior government officials, maritime industry leaders, and technology innovators, spotlighted the government’s unwavering commitment to digital transformation and future-readiness in shipping and port operations.

A Vision for Digital India in Maritime

The conclave was inaugurated by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, with Union Minister of State Shantanu Thakur sharing the dais. Both ministers underscored the government’s focus on harnessing technology to drive transparency, efficiency, and competitiveness within the maritime domain—an approach tightly aligned with national flagship programs such as “Digital India,” “Maritime India Vision 2030,” and the “Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.”

“India’s maritime sector is experiencing a digital renaissance under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji,” stated Sarbananda Sonowal. “These new digital platforms and initiatives reflect our pledge to make maritime governance transparent, efficient, and globally competitive, propelling us toward a Viksit Bharat—a developed India.”

Launch of Transformative Digital Initiatives

The event featured the unveiling of several major digital innovations:

• Revamped DG Shipping Website: The new, GIGW 3.0-compliant site delivers a modern, multilingual, and mobile-responsive experience. Seafarers, shipowners, training institutions, and stakeholders now have easier access to regulatory information, digital services, and interactive features, enhancing inclusivity and usability nationwide.

• e-Samudra Platform – Phase 1: Positioned as the linchpin of maritime e-governance, e-Samudra is a cloud-native system designed to consolidate over 60 maritime services under one digital umbrella.

  • Chartering Permissions & Licenses Module: Digitizes vessel chartering approvals, reducing manual processes and turnaround time.

  • Ship Building Financial Assistance (SBFA) Module: Streamlines access to incentives, making the Indian shipbuilding ecosystem more attractive and transparent.

  • Multi-Modal Transport Operator (MTO) Module: Digitally enables registration and compliance, aligning with India’s logistics modernization agenda.

  • Visitor Access Management System: Automates access approvals at DGS offices, enhancing security while minimizing bureaucracy.

“From AI-powered exams to integrated e-Governance, these interventions are transforming how India does shipping—smarter, safer, and future-ready,” Sonowal affirmed.

AI and Automation Take Centre Stage

The conclave also marked the rollout of a pilot AI-based digital examination system at the Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) in Noida. This initiative leverages artificial intelligence to streamline certification exams for seafarers, ensuring global-standard fairness and efficiency.

Accompanying these launches was the unveiling of the “Leveraging Technology in Maritime” vision booklet. This comprehensive document outlines the DGS’s digital transformation roadmap, with highlights including:

• Learning Management Systems (LMS) & Web-based Simulators: Tools designed to align training with the latest global STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) norms.

• Digital Archival Solutions: Secure, long-term storage and management of vital maritime records.

• ERP for Welfare Funds: Next-generation management solutions for the Seafarers’ Provident Fund Organization (SPFO) and the Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society (SWFS).

• Integrated Command & Control Centre: Real-time data monitoring, empowering proactive responses and operational excellence.

• Cybersecurity Frameworks: Ensuring all new digital solutions comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, safeguarding stakeholder data across the sector.

Looking Ahead: Maritime 2030 and Beyond

Both ministers emphasized the government’s vision to deploy cutting-edge technologies—including artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and geospatial tools—to deliver autonomous vessel operations, predictive analytics, and next-generation maritime services by 2030. The digital transformation roadmap is designed to nurture innovation, foster ease of doing business, and solidify India’s position as a leader in the global blue economy.

“With e-Samudra and our other platforms, we are building a maritime governance system rooted in speed, service, and innovation—delivering seamless digital experiences and positioning India as a world leader in maritime digital governance,” said Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State, MoPSW.

Industry Impact and Stakeholder Benefits

The DGS’s digital initiatives are poised to:

• Streamline regulatory processes and approvals, cutting red tape for shipping companies and operators.

• Enhance safety, security, and transparency through real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making.

• Empower Indian seafarers and maritime professionals with access to digital tools and globally recognized certification processes.

• Bolster investor and global stakeholder confidence in India’s maritime and shipping ecosystem.

As India charts a new course toward a technologically advanced and resilient maritime sector, the IT Conclave 2025 stands as a testament to the nation’s bold vision for a smarter, more secure, and inclusive blue economy.