National Maritime Day 2025: Celebrating 62 Years of India’s Maritime Might
April 5, 2025, marks the 62nd National Maritime Day, celebrating India’s rich maritime legacy, its seafarers, and the nation’s remarkable progress in the global maritime domain. First observed in 1964, this day commemorates the historic voyage of SS Loyalty — the first Indian-owned ship that sailed from Mumbai to London in 1919 under the Scindia Steam Navigation Company, breaking British dominance and symbolizing India’s maritime independence during colonial rule.
This landmark voyage not only laid the foundation for India’s shipping industry but also instilled a sense of self-reliance and determination in establishing India as a seafaring nation. National Maritime Day serves as a tribute to this historic event and acknowledges the contributions of maritime professionals who keep global trade moving.
India’s strategic geographic location, with a 7,500 km coastline, 12 major ports, and about 200 non-major ports, makes it a key player in the global maritime trade. Approximately 95% of India’s international trade by volume is carried through maritime transport, underscoring its economic significance. Ports like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata act as gateways to international markets in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Each year, the National Maritime Day Award of Excellence is also presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the sector, highlighting the critical role of human capital in driving maritime growth.
Challenges in the Maritime Sector
Despite its strengths, India’s maritime industry faces challenges like:
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Environmental pollution from shipping and port activities
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Stagnation in Indian shipping companies due to competition from foreign-flagged vessels
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Infrastructure limitations in port modernization and shipbuilding
India’s Vision for Maritime Growth
Under the ambitious ‘Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047’, the government is pushing several forward-looking initiatives:
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Sagarmala Program: Aims to complete 150 infrastructure projects by September 2025 to boost multimodal connectivity.
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Green Shipping: Plans for India’s first Coastal Green Shipping Corridor between Kandla and Tuticorin.
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Digital Transformation: Establishment of a Sagarmala Digital Centre of Excellence.
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Startup Ecosystem: Launch of the Sagarmala Startup and Innovation Initiative (S2I2).
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FDI in Port Projects: Up to 100% FDI under the automatic route to attract $81 billion in investments.
National Maritime Day 2025 is a moment to reflect on India’s oceanic legacy, honor its maritime heroes, and look ahead to a future shaped by innovation, sustainability, and strategic growth. Tackling current hurdles will be essential for India to truly become a maritime superpower by 2047.
