Mumbai, August 8: India has taken a significant step towards digitizing maritime administration with the launch of the ‘E-Samudra’ digital platform. This platform will provide integrated digital services to seafarers, shipping companies, ports, and other maritime stakeholders. Additionally, the government announced several new reform initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare, safety, and service delivery for seafarers.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated this platform at the ‘Seafarers Safety, Security, and Welfare and E-Samudra Launch’ event held in Mumbai. The event was organized by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) under the ministry.
With E-Samudra, the DGMA has also introduced various other initiatives aimed at modernizing maritime administration and improving seafarer welfare. These include the recently launched 24/7 e-seafarer grievance redressal system, an upcoming seafarer tracking dashboard, digital seafarer employment agreements, and enhanced welfare facilities under the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society.
Addressing the event, Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, seafarers are at the center of the changes occurring in India’s maritime sector.
He stated, “Under the Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, India is progressing towards significant transformations in the maritime sector. In this journey, seafarers are paramount. Our commitment is that every Indian seafarer feels safe, respected, and supported.”
Sonowal noted that India has become the second-largest supplier of seafarers globally and is on track to become the leading country in this sector. He also mentioned that India has emerged as a leading hub for ship recycling and is working towards being among the top five shipbuilding nations.
Regarding the E-Samudra platform, he remarked, “This is not just a technological platform; it is a crucial step towards making maritime administration simpler, more transparent, and stakeholder-centric. It will ease life for seafarers and streamline business operations in the maritime sector.”
Vijay Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, stated that India’s maritime policy is now based on three main pillars: the Merchant Shipping Act 2025, which grants seafarers the status of key personnel; the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047; and the principle of minimum government, maximum governance.
He explained that maritime services will be available through a single digital window via E-Samudra, featuring online payments, real-time tracking, digital certificates, and fully online workflows.
The number of active seafarers in India has increased from approximately 103,000 in 2013 to over 323,000 by 2025. This surge has heightened the need for stronger digital services, regulations, and welfare systems.
Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Maritime Administration, described E-Samudra as a transformative platform that will shift maritime administration from a traditional office-based system to a digital-first and faceless governance model.
The program also discussed the DGMA’s role in monitoring the impacts of recent geopolitical crises on global shipping. According to the ministry, the DGMA has overseen more than 16,000 calls, conducted over 40,000 communication activities, and ensured the safe return of over 4,000 stranded Indian seafarers.
Additionally, the ‘Yoga at Sea’ campaign was highlighted for promoting the physical and mental health of seafarers, along with the ‘Respect at Sea’ program aimed at increasing opportunities and support for female seafarers. The ministry reported a significant rise in the number of female seafarers in recent years.
During the event, Sonowal also interacted with recruitment agencies, maritime sector representatives, cadets, and young maritime professionals. He urged the youth to embrace values of safety, professional excellence, respect, and continuous learning, assuring them of the government’s full support.
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