FAIR WINDS

THE WEEK's Maritime Conclave 2024 saw movers and shakers from the sector talk about reclaiming India's ocean legacy

- JOSE K. GEORGE

Since the dawn of civilisation, seafaring has been at the heart of human advancement. It connected continents, and facilitated trade, cultural interactions and the spread of knowledge. India has one of the earliest identified dockyards in history, in Lothal, in the Bhal region of Gujarat, which underscores the cultural exchange during the Harappan era. While much else has changed in travel and trade, boats and ports continue to be man’s constant companions. With a coastline of approximately 7,517km, and with 12 major ports, over 200 non-major ports and 30 shipyards, India’s vibrant maritime sector handles 95 per cent of the country’s trade by volume and about 70 per cent by value. Besides, the country also has a 14,500km network of navigable inland waterways—an environment-friendly, cost-effective yet underused mode of trade and transport. The Centre’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, formulated by the Union ministry of ports, shipping and waterways, aims to make India a global maritime powerhouse by 2047.