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New Delhi.Taking a significant step towards the modernization of India’s maritime administration, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, today organized the “IT Conclave 2025 Leveraging Technology in Maritime.”
Inaugurated by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, and Minister of State, Shantanu Thakur, the conclave showcased a series of transformative digital initiatives designed to build a smart, secure, and transparent maritime ecosystem.
Jointly hosted by DGS and the Company of Master Mariners of India (CMMI), the conclave aligns with the broader vision of the Government of India “Digital India”, “Maritime India Vision 2030”, and “Amrit Kaal Vision 2047”.
Key initiatives launched included the new DGS website, Phase-1 rollout of the e-Samudra platform, and the unveiling of a comprehensive Digital Transformation Vision Document. The newly designed DGS website is now compliant with GIGW 3.0, featuring a multilingual, mobile-responsive interface aimed at improving accessibility for seafarers, shipowners, training institutes, and other stakeholders.
Under the e-Samudra platform, several foundational modules were launched. This cloud-native system aims to integrate over 60 maritime services under a single digital roof. In its first phase, modules for chartering permissions and licenses (to streamline vessel chartering approvals), Ship Building Financial Assistance (SBFA) module (to ease access to financial incentives), the Multi-Modal Transport Operator (MTO) module (enabling digital registration and regulatory compliance), and a Visitor Access Management System (to enhance safety through automated access to DGS offices) were introduced.
Sarbananda Sonowal stated, These digital initiatives represent a major shift in maritime governance. They demonstrate our commitment to transparency, efficiency, and innovation aligned with the national vision of a technology-driven future.
He further added, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s maritime sector is undergoing a digital renaissance. These pioneering initiatives reflect our dedication to leveraging technology for transparency, efficiency, and global competitiveness as we march towards a Viksit Bharat.”
The event also witnessed the launch of a pilot AI-based digital examination system at MMD Noida and the unveiling of the vision booklet “Leveraging Technology in Maritime.” This document outlines the DGS roadmap for digital transformation in the maritime sector, including initiatives such as a Learning Management System (LMS) aligned with global STCW standards, web-based simulation tools, digital archival solutions for maritime records, ERP systems for the Seafarers Provident Fund Organization (SPFO) and Seafarers Welfare Fund Society (SWFS), and an integrated Command and Control Center for real-time data monitoring. It also highlights the development of cybersecurity and data protection frameworks in alignment with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act.
Sarbananda Sonowal remarked, From AI-powered examinations to integrated e-governance platforms, these interventions are transforming India’s shipping landscape making it smarter, safer, and future-ready.”
With e-Samudra and our other digital platforms, our aim is to deliver seamless services, promote ease of doing business, and establish India as a global leader in maritime digital governance. Inspired by the Prime Minister’s Digital India Mission, we are building a maritime governance system based on innovation, speed, and service,” said Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Shantanu Thakur.
Looking ahead, the roadmap envisions the application of emerging technologies like AI, IoT, blockchain, and geospatial tools to enable autonomous operations, predictive analytics, and next-generation maritime services by 2030 and beyond. India’s maritime sector is now confidently advancing toward a digital future towards a smart, secure, and future-ready blue economy.
At the beginning of the program, DG Shipping Shyam Jagannathan formally welcomed the Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal, Shantanu Thakur, and Ports Secretary T.K. Ramachandran. He also extended special congratulations to the Minister on the recent passing of the “Merchant Shipping Bill 2024” in the Lok Sabha, regarded as a historic reform in India’s maritime legal framework.
During the conclave, CMMI President Capt. M.P. Bhasin welcomed all the distinguished guests.
Also present at the event were ADG Shipping IPS Sushil Man Singh, Capt. Nitin Mukesh, Capt. Daniel Joseph, ADG Sandeep Awasthi, along with many key officers, experts, and stakeholders from the maritime industry.
