10 Must-Knows: 'One Nation-One Port' Initiative Explained for 2025

One Nation-One Port' Initiative Explained for 2025

In a bid to revolutionize India’s maritime landscape, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has unveiled a series of bold initiatives under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. These measures are set to streamline port operations, bolster global trade, and drive sustainable growth, aligning with the vision of a self-reliant and globally competitive India.

1. One Nation-One Port (ONOP) Process

What It Is:
The ONOP process aims to standardize and harmonize documentation and operational procedures across major Indian ports. By addressing inefficiencies and reducing bureaucratic delays, the initiative promises to lower costs and accelerate turnaround times.

Key Benefits:

• Reduced Documentation Complexity: Streamlining port paperwork with a reduction of container operation documents by 33% and bulk cargo documents by 29%.
• Enhanced Efficiency: Consistent and transparent processes that reduce operational delays.
• Ease of Doing Business: Simplified procedures support smoother logistics and trade operations.

2. Sagar Ankalan – Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI)

Overview:
Sagar Ankalan is a comprehensive performance index introduced for FY 2023-24. It is designed to benchmark port efficiency and drive competitiveness on a global scale.

Key Performance Metrics:

• Cargo handling efficiency
• Turnaround time
• Berth idle time and container dwell time
• Ship berth-day output

Global Context:
India’s remarkable rise in global logistics is underscored by its leap in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index—from 44th to 22nd for international shipments.

3. Bharat Global Ports Consortium

Objective:
This consortium brings together key stakeholders from operations, finance, and infrastructure development to expand India’s maritime reach and enhance its global trade resilience.

Impact:

• Strengthened Supply Chains: Facilitates integrated logistics across ports.
• Support for Make in India: Drives export growth and positions India as a central player in global trade.

4. MAITRI – Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface

Digital Transformation in Trade:
MAITRI is set to streamline trade processes by reducing redundancies and expediting clearances. It leverages modern technologies such as AI and Blockchain to ensure security and efficiency.

Key Points:

• Seamless Operations: Reduces processing time and optimizes trade flows.
• Digital Integration: Paves the way for the ‘Virtual Trade Corridor’ between India and the UAE, with future expansion to BIMSTEC and ASEAN regions.
• Ease of Doing Business: Enhances transparency and regulatory compliance.

5. Virtual Trade Corridor (VTC)

Bridging Global Markets:
The VTC initiative is designed to integrate digital tools and advanced analytics to create a seamless international trade pathway, thus reinforcing India’s position in global logistics.

Highlights:

• Digital Integration: Incorporates AI and Blockchain for enhanced security.
• International Connectivity: Connects India with key trading partners across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

6. India Maritime Week 2025

Event Overview:
Scheduled from October 27-31, 2025, in Mumbai, India Maritime Week promises to be one of the largest global maritime events. With over 100 countries and an expected 100,000 delegates, it will feature:

• The Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS)
• Sagarmanthan – The Great Oceans Dialogue

Significance:
The week will celebrate India's rich maritime heritage while showcasing cutting-edge innovations in port management and global trade facilitation.

7. Maritime Sector Reforms & Financial Initiatives

Key Announcements:

• Maritime Development Fund: A massive ₹25,000 crore fund to finance modern port infrastructure and stimulate private investment.
• Revival of Shipbuilding: Enhanced financial assistance for domestic shipyards and an updated Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy to foster competitiveness and job creation.
• Customs Duty Exemptions: Extended benefits for shipbuilding inputs to boost domestic production.

8. Green Port and Shipping Initiatives

Sustainability Focus:
The launch of the National Centre of Excellence in Green Port and Shipping (NCoEGPS) marks a commitment to eco-friendly practices. This platform will promote:

• Carbon footprint reduction
• Use of cleaner fuels
• Best practices in sustainable port management

9. Alignment with National Visions

Strategic Objectives:

• Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat: The initiatives support PM Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed, self-reliant India.
• Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: Long-term planning to transform India into a maritime powerhouse by modernizing infrastructure and operational protocols.
• National Logistics Policy & PM Gati Shakti: Enhancing overall logistics and transport connectivity to drive economic growth.

10. Future-Ready Global Trade Ecosystem

Final Takeaway:
By integrating advanced digital technologies, streamlining processes, and forging global partnerships, these initiatives are set to transform India’s maritime landscape. The comprehensive reforms not only promise enhanced efficiency and competitiveness but also position India as a pivotal player in the global trade network.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal’s unveiling of the ‘One Nation-One Port’ initiative, along with complementary measures like Sagar Ankalan, Bharat Global Ports Consortium, and the MAITRI digital platform, marks a significant leap toward modernizing India’s maritime sector. With these transformative initiatives, India is poised to achieve greater operational efficiency, sustainable growth, and a stronger presence on the global stage.