Why in News?
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched E-Samudra, a digital platform that brings maritime services for seafarers, shipping companies, ports and other stakeholders under one platform.
Importance
- Makes maritime services simple, transparent and time-bound.
- Reduces physical paperwork and improves service delivery.
- Strengthens seafarer welfare and grievance redressal.
- Reduces the compliance burden for maritime stakeholders.
- Supports the growth of India’s maritime workforce.
Key Highlights
- Single Digital Window: Brings maritime services together on one platform.
- Digital Services: Provides online payments, real-time tracking and digital certificates.
- Seafarer Welfare: Includes e-NAVIK 24x7, Seafarer Tracking Dashboard and Digital Seafarers Employment Agreement (d-SEA).
- Sagar Mein Yog: Promotes the physical and mental well-being of seafarers.
- Sagar Mein Samman: Supports women seafarers.
- India’s active seafarer workforce increased from around 1.03 lakh in 2013 to over 3.23 lakh in 2025.
- India is the second-largest supplier of seafarers globally.
About E-Samudra
E-Samudra is a digital platform developed to move maritime administration from a physical office-based system to a digital-first and faceless system. It provides online maritime services, tracking, payments and digital certificates. The platform is linked with India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025.
Static Facts
- Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
- Minister: Sarbananda Sonowal
- Regulator: Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA)
- Focus: Digital maritime governance and seafarer welfare
- Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: Long-term roadmap for the development of India’s maritime sector.
