Port capacity surges, vessel turnaround shrinks as India leads global ocean forum

During the SagarManthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue 2026, Union Minister Sarbanand Sonowal presented striking statistics that illustrate India’s rapid maritime growth. Over the last twelve years, the nation’s port handling capacity has risen from 1,561 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 2,817 MTPA. Concurrently, the average turnaround time for container vessels has fallen from 35 hours to just 23 hours, reflecting improved operational efficiency.

The minister linked these gains to a series of strategic bilateral engagements. In Saudi Arabia, discussions centered on attracting Saudi capital for the expansion of Vadhawan and Galathiya Bay ports and on joint shipbuilding ventures. Belgium’s delegation explored a green shipping corridor, smart‑port automation and shared dredging initiatives, while Bhutan’s representatives examined the development of the Brahmaputra waterway as a trade conduit.

Sonowal highlighted the human capital behind these achievements, noting that Indian seafarer numbers have more than doubled to 323,000, securing the country’s position as the world’s second‑largest supplier of crew. Female seafarer representation has also risen sharply, from 1,599 in 2021 to a projected 7,033 by 2025.

The summit drew delegates from more than 70 nations and featured 10 foreign ministers, reinforcing India’s role as a central hub in the evolving global maritime landscape.