The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways launched E-Samudra, a comprehensive digital platform that integrates services for seafarers, shipping companies, ports, and other maritime stakeholders. The platform was inaugurated by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal during a national stakeholder interaction on 'Seafarer Security, Safety and Welfare' organized by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) in Mumbai.
E-Samudra represents a shift from physical office-based maritime administration to Digital First and Faceless Governance, featuring single-window digital services with end-to-end workflows, online payments, real-time tracking, and digitally issued certificates. The platform aims to make maritime governance simpler, more transparent, and stakeholder-centric, improving ease of living for seafarers and ease of doing business for the maritime sector.
India's active seafarer workforce has grown significantly from approximately 1.03 lakh in 2013 to over 3.23 lakh in 2025, making India the second-largest supplier of seafarers globally. The ministry expressed confidence that India would soon become the world's largest supplier. The number of women seafarers has also increased significantly in recent years, reflecting greater inclusivity in the maritime workforce.
Alongside E-Samudra, DGMA showcased several initiatives including the recently launched e-NAVIK 24×7 grievance redressal system, the upcoming Seafarer Tracking Dashboard, the Digital Seafarers Employment Agreement (d-SEA), and enhanced welfare measures under the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society (SWFS). Additional programs include Sagar Mein Yog for physical and mental wellbeing of seafarers and Sagar Mein Samman to strengthen opportunities for women seafarers.
In response to recent geopolitical disruptions affecting global shipping, DGMA monitored more than 16,000 calls, handled over 40,000 communications, and coordinated the safe repatriation of more than 4,000 stranded Indian seafarers through joint efforts with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions, the Indian Navy, shipowners, and other maritime stakeholders.
India's maritime policy is now anchored in three pillars: the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 (which recognizes seafarers as Key Workers), the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, and the principle of Minimum Government, Maximum Governance. India has also become the world's leading ship recycling destination and is working towards positioning itself among the world's top five shipbuilding nations.