Shipping set to sail under Infrastructure status in India
The Government of India is set to grant infrastructure status to the shipping industry, with an official notification expected within the next two weeks. The move will give shipping companies access to long-term, low-cost financing, enabling them to expand vessel ownership and place more orders with Indian shipyards. At present, India ranks 18th globally in ship ownership and 22nd in shipbuilding, with domestic operators often constrained by higher funding costs and shorter repayment schedules compared to global peers.
Unlike traditional infrastructure classifications based on project value, the government plans to introduce a vessel-size threshold, with ships of 24 metres or longer qualifying for the status. Repayment schedules are also expected to be aligned with the 12–15-year lifespan of ships, easing financial pressure on owners.
According to Anil Devli, CEO of the Indian National Shipowners’ Association (INSA), the move will enable Indian shipowners to expand both coastal and international fleets, while providing a major boost to domestic shipbuilding.
The initiative complements existing government programmes such as the Ship Building Financial Assistance Policy, the proposed ₹25,000-crore Maritime Development Fund, and incentives for green vessel construction. It also aligns with India’s ambition to become a top-five global player in shipbuilding and shipping by 2047.
Granting infrastructure status, officials said, is a strategic step toward building a stronger maritime ecosystem, enhancing competitiveness, and driving greater self-reliance in the sector.
