New Delhi: India is pushing deeper digitisation of its maritime administration as the government looks to simplify services for seafarers, shipping companies and other stakeholders while strengthening welfare and grievance-redressal mechanisms.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated E-Samudra in Mumbai on 8 August during a national stakeholder interaction on seafarer security, safety and welfare organised by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration.
According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, E-Samudra will bring maritime services under a single digital window with end-to-end workflows, online payments, real-time application tracking and digitally issued certificates.
The platform is aimed at reducing dependence on physical processes and moving maritime administration towards a Digital First and Faceless Governance model.
It will cater to seafarers, shipping companies, ports and other maritime stakeholders through an integrated digital system intended to make service delivery more transparent, predictable and time-bound.
The government also highlighted a series of measures focused on seafarer welfare and digital service delivery, including the e-NAVIK 24×7 grievance redressal system, the upcoming Seafarer Tracking Dashboard, the Digital Seafarers Employment Agreement (d-SEA) and welfare measures under the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society.
The ministry said India’s maritime policy framework is also being strengthened through the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, which recognises seafarers as Key Workers.
Sonowal said the initiatives form part of the government’s broader maritime development strategy under Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
India’s active seafarer workforce has increased from around 1.03 lakh in 2013 to more than 3.23 lakh in 2025, according to the ministry.
Sonowal said India has emerged as the world’s second-largest supplier of seafarers and is working towards becoming the largest. He also said India is the world’s leading ship-recycling destination and is seeking to enter the world’s top five shipbuilding nations.
The ministry also outlined measures taken during recent geopolitical disruptions affecting international shipping.
According to the government, maritime authorities monitored more than 16,000 calls, handled over 40,000 communications and coordinated the safe repatriation of more than 4,000 stranded Indian seafarers.
The repatriation effort was undertaken in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions abroad, the Indian Navy, shipowners and other maritime stakeholders.
Other initiatives highlighted during the interaction included Sagar Mein Yog, which focuses on the physical and mental wellbeing of seafarers, and Sagar Mein Samman, aimed at strengthening opportunities and support for women seafarers.
Read also: Alliance Air launches direct Daman-Delhi flight from newly opened NAMO Airport
