Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, today said that the Centre is steadfast in its efforts to transform the country into a global maritime powerhouse. He observed that India with its vast coastline and strategic position, has a crucial role to play in the maritime sector.

Mr Sonowal was speaking after laying the foundation stone for the Girls Hostel cum Library building at the Indian Maritime University campus in Kochi.

He said the country witnessed considerable rise in the number of sea farers, which went up to over three lakh 17,000 last year. Women sea farers have also increased from 1699 in 2014 to 13,756 last year. He urged maritime professionals to be well versed not only in traditional sea-faring skills but also in emerging technologies that will define the future of shipping and logistics.

The Minister also inaugurated various projects online, implemented at 68 crore rupees at six campuses of the Indian Maritime University in the country.