Sonowal Launches Logistics Port Performance Index, Unveils Key Maritime Digital Reforms

The initiatives were introduced during the 37th Foundation Day celebrations of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Mumbai.      Developed under the Sagar Aankalan framework, the LPPI is a national benchmarking mechanism designed to assess and improve operational efficiency at Indian ports. The index evaluates ports across three key cargo segments—dry bulk, liquid bulk and container cargo—using performance indicators such as cargo throughput, vessel turnaround time, berth idle time, pre-berthing waiting time, container dwell time and ship berth day output.      Addressing the gathering, Sonowal said the LPPI represents a significant step towards improving the efficiency, transparency and global competitiveness of Indian ports. He noted that the framework would encourage continuous improvement and strengthen India’s position as a leading maritime nation.

The LPPI methodology assigns equal weightage to both absolute operational performance and year-on-year improvement, incentivising ports to continuously enhance productivity and service standards.      In addition to the performance index, the minister launched four digital initiatives developed by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS). These include a 24×7 grievance redressal module under the e-Navik platform, a ship registration module on the e-Samudra platform, a medical practitioner module, and a unified ship recycling credit note module.      A key reform unveiled during the event was the Unified Ship Recycling Portal under the government’s ₹70,000-crore maritime development package announced in 2025. The portal will facilitate implementation of the Ship Recycling Credit Scheme, under which ship owners recycling vessels at Hong Kong Convention-compliant Indian recycling yards will be eligible to receive credit notes equivalent to 40 per cent of the vessel’s scrap value. These credits can be redeemed against new shipbuilding projects undertaken in India.

The government expects the new digital platforms and performance benchmarking framework to accelerate maritime sector modernisation, improve stakeholder services and support the growth of India’s shipping and shipbuilding industries.