Korean Tech, Indian Yards: Sarbananda Sonowal Woos Global Giants to Transform Shipping
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal seeks partnerships with Korean marine equipment firms to boost India's shipbuilding and maritime capabilities.
In a strategic push to elevate India's maritime standing, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has made a strong appeal to South Korean industry leaders and global policymakers. Speaking in Busan, South Korea, during a high-level ministerial roundtable for World Maritime Day, Sonowal emphasized India's desire for international maritime rules that are practical, universal, and inclusive of the varying capabilities of different nations.
A Call for Equitable Global Maritime Rules
During the roundtable, which featured the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Arsenio Dominguez and ministers from Norway and Cyprus, Sonowal argued that while international standards should remain ambitious, their implementation must account for differences in national technology, finance, and development.
Invoking the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities," the Union Minister stressed that the goal should be shared outcomes achieved through cooperation. He described IMO conventions as an "operational lighthouse" that provides stability for trade, supply chains, and seafarers amidst current geopolitical instability and disruptions, such as piracy in the Red Sea.
To bridge the gap between developed and developing maritime nations, Sonowal proposed practical partnerships, including:
- Joint Working Groups: Pairing nations that have successfully implemented conventions with those still building capacity.
- Skill Development: Training surveyors and inspectors.
- Legal Support: Assisting in the drafting of maritime laws.
- Sustainable Growth: Creating permanent national capabilities to avoid long-term dependence on foreign aid.
India's Maritime Leap: The Numbers and Progress
Minister Sonowal highlighted that India is not just seeking help but is already laying a robust foundation. He pointed to several key milestones:
- Legislative Reform: Five new maritime laws enacted in 2025 became effective in March 2026.
- Digital Infrastructure: The Maritime Single Window now covers 69 ports and terminals.
- Green Recycling: The Alang-Sosiya yard now hosts 115 ship recycling facilities compliant with the Hong Kong Convention (HKC).
- Financial Boost: A shipbuilding package worth approximately $7.8 billion was approved in September 2025.
The results of these initiatives have been dramatic. Shipbuilding output surged by 40% year-on-year in 2025 and grew by more than 80% in 2026. Currently, over 120 ships worth more than $1.27 billion are receiving government assistance, with export orders accounting for over 80% of that value.
The Korean Connection: KOMEA's Entry into India
The Minister also engaged with the Korea Marine Equipment Association (KOMEA), a powerful body representing 304 firms, including giants like HD Hyundai, Hanwha Ocean, and Samsung Heavy Industries. In a significant move, KOMEA is set to open its first Indian office in Mumbai on October 30.
This collaboration falls under "VOYAGES," a cooperation framework between India and South Korea focusing on shipbuilding, shipping, and maritime logistics. KOMEA has offered to collaborate with Indian shipyards on:
- Design and modernization of yards.
- Technology transfer and joint education programs.
- Local manufacturing of marine equipment and spare parts.
"Every ship built in India needs engines, propulsion, deck machinery, and electrical and navigation systems," Sonowal noted, pointing out that since much of this high-value equipment is currently imported, it presents a massive opportunity for Korean suppliers.
KOMEA Chairman Ho-il Kang confirmed that members are preparing to enter the Indian market within the next two years. Several firms, including SB Sunbo, Daeyang, KASEMEC, and JO Engineering, have already begun discussing potential investments in India's burgeoning maritime sector.