Key Details
The maritime reform package combines two parallel interventions: the launch of the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) as a national benchmarking framework under Sagar Aankalan, and the rollout of four digital governance systems by the Directorate General of Shipping covering seafarer welfare, vessel registration, certification verification, and ship-recycling incentives.
Reform Area | Key Features |
|---|---|
LPPI Framework | National port benchmarking under Sagar Aankalan |
Performance Metrics | Cargo handled, vessel turnaround time, berth idle time, dwell time |
Cargo Segments | Dry bulk, liquid bulk, container cargo |
Digital Governance Modules | e-Navik, e-Samudra, Medical Practitioner Module, Ship Recycling Portal |
Ship Recycling Incentive | 40% scrap-value credit for compliant recycling |
Strategic Alignment | PM Gati Shakti, Maritime India Vision 2030, Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 |
Summary
LPPI and National Port Benchmarking
On May 29, 2026, during the 37th Foundation Day of JNPA, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterwayslaunched the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) for FY 2024–25.
Developed under the Sagar Aankalan framework, LPPI establishes a standardized national system to benchmark port efficiency and identify operational bottlenecks. The index aligns with PM Gati Shakti, Maritime India Vision 2030, and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, supporting the integration of ports into India’s wider logistics and trade architecture.
Ports are evaluated across dry bulk, liquid bulk, and container cargo using metrics such as:
Cargo handled
Vessel turnaround time
Pre-berthing waiting
Berth idle time
Container dwell time
Ship-berth productivity
The framework assigns equal weight to current performance and year-on-year improvement.
Performance Outcomes and Port Rankings
The latest LPPI cycle identified the following category leaders:
Cargo Segment | Top Performer |
|---|---|
Dry Bulk | Paradip Port Authority |
Liquid Bulk | Sikka Port and Terminals |
Container Cargo | Mundra Port |
JNPA ranked second among major container ports, handling over 8 million TEUs and 102 million metric tonnes of cargo in FY 2025–26.
India’s broader logistics ecosystem also showed gains, with the country improving from 44th to 22nd in the World Bank Logistics Performance Index (International Shipments category) and seven Indian ports entering the Container Port Performance Index 2024 Top-100.
Digital Maritime Governance Rollout
Alongside LPPI, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) introduced four digital governance platforms designed to simplify maritime administration and strengthen regulatory compliance.
These include:
Digital Module | Purpose |
|---|---|
e-Navik Grievance System | 24×7 seafarer grievance redressal |
e-Samudra Registration | Digital ship registration and flagging |
Medical Practitioner Module | Verification of seafarer medical certification |
Ship Recycling Portal | Administration of recycling-credit incentives |
The e-Navik platform expands access to grievance redressal through WhatsApp, email, and toll-free channels, supporting India’s commitments under the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.
The Ship Recycling Portal supports the government’s ₹70,000-crore maritime development package. Ship owners using Hong Kong Convention-compliant Indian recycling yards may receive a credit note equal to 40 percent of a vessel’s scrap value, redeemable against future shipbuilding projects within India.
JNPA has simultaneously expanded digital operations through an indigenous Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) system and AI-enabled tender evaluation platform NIVIDA, reflecting the broader transition toward automated maritime administration.
What is a “Vessel Turnaround Time” Metric?
Vessel turnaround time measures the total time taken by a ship from entering a port until departure after cargo handling and operational clearances.
This indicator is widely used to assess port efficiency. Lower turnaround times generally reflect faster customs procedures, better berth management, and smoother cargo handling systems. Efficient turnaround reduces shipping costs, lowers congestion, and strengthens a country’s overall trade competitiveness.
Policy Relevance
The launch of LPPI and associated digital platforms reflects a shift toward data-driven and digitally integrated maritime governance.
Strengthens Competitive Port Benchmarking: LPPI creates a common performance framework encouraging Indian ports to modernize operations and reduce delays.
Reduces Logistics Costs for Manufacturing and Trade: Improvements in turnaround and dwell times lower transport friction and inventory costs for exporters.
Supports Domestic Shipbuilding and Recycling: Credit-linked recycling incentives strengthen compliant Indian shipyards and maritime manufacturing.
Improves Seafarer Welfare and Regulatory Compliance: The e-Navik platform expands access to grievance redressal and aligns administration with global maritime labour standards.
Expands Digital Maritime Administration: Platforms such as e-Samudra and the Medical Practitioner Module reduce administrative delays and certification fraud risks.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: Given the rollout of LPPI and India’s improving global logistics rankings, how can MoPSW integrate live port-performance data with PM Gati Shakti to synchronise rail, road, and port cargo movements and reduce national logistics costs further?
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