The Blue Cities Paradigm: Reimagining India’s Maritime Future

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

Context

• Around the world, leading maritime hubs are transforming into “blue cities”. 

What are Blue Cities?

• Blue Cities refer to coastal or port cities that integrate ocean-based economic activities with sustainable urban development. 
• The concept is rooted in the idea of a “Blue Economy” — using ocean resources for economic growth while preserving the health of marine ecosystems.
• Key Features of Blue Cities: 
  • Sustainable Maritime Economy: Promote activities like shipping, fisheries, offshore energy, and tourism in an eco-friendly manner.
  • Resilient Coastal Infrastructure: Build ports and coastal infrastructure resilient to sea-level rise and extreme weather.
  • Marine Ecosystem Protection: Conserve mangroves, coral reefs, and wetlands that support biodiversity and protect shorelines.
  • Circular and Low-Carbon Practices: Encourage waste recycling, renewable energy, and low-emission logistics.
  • Digital and Smart Technologies: Use digital tools, data, and automation to improve maritime operations and urban management.

Opportunity for India

• India has a 11,098.81 km coastline, 13 major ports, 200+ non-major ports.
• Global decarbonisation drive (IMO 2050) requires $1–3 trillion investment — a major opportunity for India to integrate green shipping finance and innovation.
  • IMO is an international effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, primarily by shifting away from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources like solar and wind
• India can link GIFT City’s financial tools with port development to fund green and digital maritime projects.
• India’s Pilot Blue Cities
  • Mumbai: Combine port logistics with sustainable finance and innovation.
  • Vizag: Naval and shipbuilding expertise.
  • Chennai: Tech and advanced manufacturing integration.
  • Mundra: Private investment and clean-energy logistics.
  • Kochi: Maritime services and offshore renewables.
• Together, they can form a national network of blue cities showcasing urban-maritime integration.

India’s Port Sector

• India has major ports (central government controlled) and minor ports (state government controlled).
  • 13 Major Ports
  • 217 Non-major (Minor/Intermediate) Ports
• The ports are managed by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
• Strategic Position: Located along the world’s busiest shipping routes, India is a key trading hub and a rising global power.
• India’s Maritime Sector Overview: Handles 95% of India’s trade by volume and 70% by value, with port infrastructure critical to the economy.
• Port Ranking Improvement: India’s port ranking improved from 54th in 2014 to 38th in 2023, with nine Indian ports now in the top 100 globally.
• Growth in Cargo-handling: Between 2014-15 and 2023-24, major ports increased their annual cargo-handling capacity by 87.01%.
• Maritime Sector’s Importance: India is the 16th-largest maritime nation, occupies a key position in global shipping, with major trade routes passing through its waters.
• Future Goals: India has outlined investments of US$ 82 billion in port infrastructure projects by 2035 to bolster the maritime sector.
  • India plans to establish a new shipping company to expand its fleet by at least 1,000 ships within a decade.

Challenges 

• Infrastructure Gaps: Inadequate port infrastructure and outdated facilities at some ports, limiting capacity and efficiency.
• Congestion: High traffic volumes at major ports leading to delays, increased turnaround times, and reduced productivity.
• Environmental Concerns: Pollution and sustainability issues, including emissions from ships and port operations.
• Logistics Bottlenecks: Inefficient transport connectivity between ports, roads, and railways, impacting smooth cargo movement.
• Global Competition: Rising competition from other global maritime hubs, necessitates continuous investment and modernization.

Initiatives by the Government

• Sagarmala Programme: Focuses on leveraging India’s coastline and of navigable waterways.
  • Supports port infrastructure, coastal development, and connectivity.
  • Financial aid for projects like coastal berths, rail/road connectivity, fish harbours, and cruise terminals.
• Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030): Aiming for India to become a top 10 shipbuilding nation by 2030 and create a world-class, efficient, and sustainable maritime ecosystem.
  • Includes 150+ initiatives across ten key maritime sectors.
• Inland Waterways Development: 26 new national waterways identified by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
  • Provides alternative, sustainable transport, easing road/rail congestion.
• Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP): Aims to replace fuel-based harbour tugs with eco-friendly, sustainable fuel-powered tugs.
  • Transition to be completed by 2040 across major ports.
• Sagarmanthan Dialogue: An annual maritime strategic dialogue to position India as a global center for maritime conversations.
• Maritime Development Fund: ₹25,000 crore fund for long-term financing to modernize ports and shipping infrastructure, encouraging private investment.
• Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP 2.0): Modernized to help Indian shipyards compete with global giants.

Source: ORF