Why in news?
On 29 May 2026 India unveiled the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) during the 37th foundation day of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority. The index and a set of digital reforms aim to modernise the maritime sector and enhance transparency, efficiency and benchmarking at ports. Ports were ranked across cargo categories, and new modules for grievance redressal, ship registration, medical practitioners and ship recycling credits were rolled out.
Background
Ports are gateways for India’s trade and support the country’s growth. In recent years the government has launched the Gati Shakti National Master Plan, Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 to strengthen logistics. The LPPI has been developed under the Sagar Aankalan framework as a national benchmarking mechanism. It evaluates operational performance and year‑on‑year improvement across three cargo segments—dry bulk, liquid bulk and container cargo—using indicators such as cargo handled, vessel turnaround time, berth idle time, pre‑berthing waiting time, container dwell time and ship berth day output. Equal weightage is given to absolute performance and improvement to encourage ports to become more efficient over time.
Key features
- Digital reforms: Four digital modules were launched. A 24×7 grievance redressal system under the e‑Navik platform lets seafarers lodge complaints through web, toll‑free numbers and messaging applications. A ship registration module on the e‑Samudra portal simplifies registration and aligns Indian procedures with international standards. A medical practitioner module streamlines registration and monitoring of doctors authorised to certify seafarers. A unified ship recycling credit portal offers a 40 % credit note on scrap value to ship owners recycling vessels at Hong Kong Convention‑compliant Indian yards, encouraging recycling and new shipbuilding.
- Improved ranking and competitiveness: The LPPI aligns with national visions and seeks to enhance India’s position in global logistics. Paradip Port topped the dry bulk cargo category, Sikka Port led in liquid bulk, and Mundra Port ranked highest for container cargo. The index is expected to drive competition and continuous improvement among ports.
- Seafarer welfare: Officials emphasised that the grievance redressal mechanism protects seafarers, who work far from home under difficult conditions. Simplified medical practitioner registration aims to curb fraudulent certifications and ensure that seafarers receive proper medical care.
- Ship recycling incentives: The credit note scheme encourages ship owners to recycle vessels in India. Credits can be redeemed against new shipbuilding projects, supporting domestic shipyards and making ship recycling more sustainable.
Conclusion
By launching the LPPI and complementary digital modules, India aims to modernise port governance, set transparent benchmarks and support continuous improvement. These reforms could reduce turnaround times, boost competitiveness and deliver welfare benefits to seafarers while promoting eco‑friendly ship recycling.