India to add 62 vessels, 2.85 million GT capacity in FY27: Sonowal

India plans to add 62 vessels in 2026–27 with an investment of ₹51,383 crore as part of its push to become self-reliant in the maritime sector, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Wednesday.

The proposed addition is expected to create 2.85 million gross tonnage (GT) capacity in the current fiscal, strengthening India’s shipping capabilities amid evolving global trade uncertainties.

The announcement came after a high-level inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Sonowal to review the situation around the Strait of Hormuz and its implications for India’s maritime trade.

“We are positioning shipping at the core of India’s economic resilience. Our journey towards Atmanirbhar shipping is a strategic necessity,” Sonowal said.

He said India is advancing a roadmap to expand its fleet across segments, including container vessels, LPG carriers, crude carriers and green tugs, to ensure resilience against external disruptions and maintain supply chain stability.

According to an official statement, the minister also reviewed cargo flows, vessel movements and operational preparedness across key maritime segments, while underlining the need to expand fleets such as dredging vessels and tankers to meet future global challenges.

Sonowal said the Shipping Corporation of India is equipped to build specialised vessels, including those required for transporting ammonia.

"The need for expansion of container fleet, green tugs, LPG carriers, crude carriers, dredging vessels and tankers were underscored by the Minister to combat any future global challenge and sustain supply chain of the country," the statement said.

He also reviewed the progress of a proposed joint venture between the Shipping Corporation of India and oil public sector undertakings to acquire 59 vessels.

Calling for a coordinated national effort, the minister directed all concerned departments to prepare a concise and actionable white paper outlining existing gaps, targets and a time-bound roadmap for the maritime sector.

“This document will form the basis of our next review on a larger inter-ministerial platform. I expect focused, practical and outcome-oriented inputs,” Sonowal said.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the ministries of petroleum and natural gas, chemicals and fertilisers, as well as representatives from the Directorate General of Shipping, National Shipping Board and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

The minister also emphasised the need to ensure safety and security of Indian seafarers, directing agencies to maintain heightened vigilance in sensitive maritime zones.