India launches E-Samudra platform to digitise maritime governance
New Delhi, Aug 8. India on August 8 launched E-Samudra, an integrated digital platform aimed at bringing maritime services for seafarers, shipping companies, ports and other stakeholders under a single window, while announcing a series of measures to improve seafarer welfare, safety and service delivery.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the platform during a national stakeholder interaction on ‘Seafarer Security, Safety and Welfare and Inauguration of E-Samudra’ in Mumbai. The event was organised by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA).
The new platform is designed to provide end-to-end digital services, including online payments, real-time tracking and digitally issued certificates, with the government seeking to make maritime regulatory processes more transparent, predictable and time-bound.
Sonowal said the digital transformation of the maritime sector was part of India’s broader efforts under the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, with seafarer welfare at the centre of the country’s maritime growth strategy.
He said India had emerged as the world’s second-largest supplier of seafarers and expressed confidence that the country would soon become the largest supplier globally. India has also become a leading destination for ship recycling and is working to secure a place among the world’s top five shipbuilding nations, he said.
Describing E-Samudra as more than a technology platform, Sonowal said it would make maritime governance simpler and more stakeholder-centric while improving the ease of living for seafarers and the ease of doing business for the maritime industry.
Alongside E-Samudra, the DGMA showcased several other initiatives, including the e-NAVIK 24×7 grievance redressal system, the proposed Seafarer Tracking Dashboard, the Digital Seafarers Employment Agreement (d-SEA) and enhanced welfare measures through the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society.
MoPSW Secretary Vijay Kumar said India’s maritime policy was anchored on the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, which recognises seafarers as key workers, the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and the principle of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance”.
He said E-Samudra would shift maritime administration towards an integrated digital ecosystem, enabling seafarers onboard vessels to access government services without having to visit physical offices.
The need for such digital services has grown with India’s rapidly expanding maritime workforce. The number of active Indian seafarers increased from around 1.03 lakh in 2013 to more than 3.23 lakh in 2025, according to the ministry.
DGMA Director General Shyam Jagannathan said E-Samudra would mark a shift from physical, office-based administration to digital first and faceless governance, enabling seafarers to access services remotely.
The DGMA also highlighted its response to recent geopolitical disruptions affecting global shipping. It monitored more than 16,000 calls, dealt with over 40,000 communications and helped coordinate the safe repatriation of more than 4,000 Indian seafarers stranded during such disruptions, in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions, the Indian Navy, shipowners and other stakeholders.
The ministry also highlighted welfare initiatives such as Sagar Mein Yog, aimed at promoting the physical and mental wellbeing of seafarers, and Sagar Mein Samman, which seeks to expand opportunities and support for women seafarers.
Sonowal interacted with representatives of recruitment and placement agencies, shipowners, training institutes, cadets and young maritime professionals on issues including employment, recruitment, welfare, regulatory compliance and career development.
The launch of E-Samudra is expected to reduce compliance burdens, improve transparency and streamline access to maritime services as India seeks to strengthen its position as a leading global maritime power.
