Major ports target complete switch to landlord model by 2047: Union Minister Sonowal

New Delhi | Mumbai: India's major ports will shift completely to the landlord port model by 2047, union ports, shipping and waterways minister Sarbanada Sonowal said Tuesday. Speaking at the India Maritime Week 2025, he said domestic ports are emerging as green logistic hubs. Major ports are governed by the central government and command roughly half of India's maritime trade.

"The ultimate goal is shifting 100% cargo handling to public-private partnerships (PPP) by 2047," the minister said, adding around 60% domestic cargo is currently handled by PPP port terminal operators.

In the interim, this share is likely to increase to 85% by 2030. He said all ports will adopt just in time arrival systems and smart port technologies to reduce turnaround time and enhance operational efficiency.

The minister also highlighted how ports are developing green hydrogen hubs. "Across the country, over 12 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen-based e-fuel capacity has been announced," Sonowal said while highlighting how Indian ports are evolving into centres for green hydrogen production, bunkering and exports, creating jobs and driving industrial growth.