Context:
Globally, leading maritime hubs are transforming into “Blue Cities” — integrating ocean-based economic growth with sustainable urban development. For India, this model presents an opportunity to align its maritime strength with green growth and economic transformation.
Key Highlights:
What are Blue Cities?
• Coastal or port cities that combine Blue Economy principles with urban sustainability.
• Rooted in the concept of the Blue Economy — economic growth from ocean resources while preserving marine ecosystem health.
Key Features of Blue Cities:
• Sustainable Maritime Economy:
-
Eco-friendly shipping, fisheries, offshore energy, tourism.
• Resilient Coastal Infrastructure:
-
Climate-resilient ports.
-
Infrastructure resistant to sea-level rise and extreme weather.
• Marine Ecosystem Protection:
-
Conservation of mangroves, coral reefs, wetlands.
-
Biodiversity protection and shoreline security.
• Circular and Low-Carbon Practices:
-
Waste recycling.
-
Renewable energy use.
-
Low-emission logistics systems.
• Digital and Smart Technologies:
-
Automation and digital tools for port efficiency.
-
Data-driven maritime governance.
Opportunity for India:
• Coastline: 11,098.81 km.
• Ports: 13 major ports + 217 non-major ports.
• Handles 95% of trade by volume and 70% by value.
• Global Decarbonisation Push (IMO 2050):
-
Requires $1–3 trillion investment globally.
-
IMO aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in shipping.
-
Shift toward cleaner fuels (solar, wind, green hydrogen).
-
Opportunity for India in green shipping finance & innovation.
• Link GIFT City’s financial ecosystem with port-led development.
• Investment target: US$ 82 billion in port infrastructure by 2035.
• Plan to expand fleet by 1,000 ships within a decade.
India’s Pilot Blue Cities:
• Mumbai – Port logistics + sustainable finance.
• Vizag – Naval and shipbuilding expertise.
• Chennai – Tech and advanced manufacturing integration.
• Mundra – Private-led clean energy logistics.
• Kochi – Maritime services and offshore renewables.
These can form a national network of Blue Cities showcasing urban-maritime integration.
India’s Port Sector Overview:
• Ports managed by Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
• 13 Major Ports (Central Government controlled).
• 217 Non-major Ports (State Government controlled).
• Strategic Location: Along world’s busiest shipping routes.
• India’s port ranking improved from 54th (2014) to 38th (2023).
• Nine Indian ports in top 100 globally.
• Cargo handling capacity increased by 87.01% (2014–15 to 2023–24).
• India is the 16th-largest maritime nation globally.
Challenges:
• Infrastructure Gaps: Outdated facilities in some ports.
• Congestion: Delays and higher turnaround times.
• Environmental Concerns: Emissions, marine pollution.
• Logistics Bottlenecks: Poor multimodal connectivity.
• Global Competition: Competition from Singapore, Rotterdam, Dubai.
Government Initiatives:
• Sagarmala Programme:
-
Port-led development.
-
Coastal infrastructure & connectivity.
• Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030):
-
Top 10 shipbuilding nation goal.
-
150+ initiatives across maritime sectors.
• Inland Waterways Development:
-
26 new national waterways identified by IWAI.
• Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP):
-
Replace fuel-based tugs with eco-friendly tugs by 2040.
• Sagarmanthan Dialogue:
-
Annual maritime strategic dialogue.
• Maritime Development Fund:
-
₹25,000 crore for port modernization.
• Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP 2.0):
-
Enhances competitiveness of Indian shipyards.
Relevant Prelims Points:
• Blue Economy: Sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth.
• India’s Coastline: 11,098.81 km.
• 13 Major + 217 Non-major Ports.
• 95% trade by volume, 70% by value via maritime routes.
• IMO 2050 Target: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping.
• Maritime India Vision 2030 and Sagarmala Programme.
• Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) – transition by 2040.
Issues & Causes:
• Climate vulnerability of coastal regions.
• Low-carbon transition pressure.
• Global maritime competition.
Benefits:
• Boost to GDP and exports.
• Green job creation.
• Strengthened strategic and trade position.
Challenges:
• Infrastructure financing gaps.
• Environmental compliance costs.
• Connectivity inefficiencies.
Relevant Mains Points:
Conceptual Clarity:
• Blue Cities = Convergence of Blue Economy + Sustainable Urbanisation.
• Aligns with SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities).
Strategic Importance:
• Maritime trade underpins India’s economic security.
• Critical for Indo-Pacific strategy and regional leadership.
Economic Dimension:
• Green shipping finance can position India as a maritime financial hub.
• Port-led industrialisation via Sagarmala.
Environmental Dimension:
• Climate adaptation in coastal zones.
• Marine biodiversity protection.
• Transition to low-carbon logistics.
Governance & Institutional Mechanism:
• Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
• IWAI for inland waterways.
• Policy convergence required between urban development & maritime sectors.
Way Forward:
• Develop integrated Blue City master plans.
• Strengthen multimodal logistics connectivity.
• Promote public-private partnerships in green infrastructure.
• Expand green finance through GIFT City.
• Encourage innovation in clean shipping technologies (hydrogen, ammonia fuels).
• Enhance climate resilience of coastal infrastructure.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
• GS Paper III: Economy (Infrastructure, Blue Economy), Environment, Disaster Management.
• GS Paper II: Governance, Maritime security.
• Prelims: Ports, Sagarmala, Maritime India Vision 2030, IMO, IWAI.
• Essay: Blue Economy and Sustainable Development.