National Maritime Day (NMD) is observed annually in India on 5th April to recognize the maritime sector’s contributions to the economy, global trade, and international relations. In 2025, India celebrates its 62nd NMD.
- The day also commemorates the historic voyage of SS Loyalty, India’s first Swadeshi ship Operated by the Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Scindia Steam Navigation Company Limited, which embarked on its maiden journey from Mumbai to London (the United Kingdom) on April 5, 1919.
Background:
i.National Maritime Day(NMD) was initiated by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), Government of India(GoI).
ii.The 1st ever National Maritime Day was observed on 5 April 1964.
National Maritime Week 2025:
i.Coinciding with National Maritime Day 2025, Merchant Navy Week 2025 (National Maritime Week) is celebrated from March 30, 2025 to April 5, 2025, under the theme: “Samriddh Sagar – Viksit Bharat Evam Neel Arth Aur Harit Vikas Ke Liye Yuva”, which translates to “Prosperous Seas – Developed India and Youth for Blue Economy & Green Growth.”
ii.This theme emphasizes the critical role of youth in advancing India’s blue economy and promoting sustainable maritime development.
iii.The weeklong celebrations are intended to highlight the role of the Shipping Industry in all its aspects by exchange of knowledge and information through publication and/ or newspapers, magazines, magazines, meetings, seminars, symposiums, workshops, exhibition, competitions etc.
2025 Events:
Inauguration Ceremony:
On March 31, 2025, Maharashtra Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan officially inaugurated the 62nd NMD and Merchant Navy Week at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai.
- The event was attended by maritime officials, including Capt. B. K. Tyagi, Chairman and Managing Director(CMD) of the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI); Ajith Sukumaran, Chief Surveyor & Additional Director General(ADG) of Shipping; and Pradeep Sudhakar K, Chief Ship Surveyor-cum-Joint DG(Technical).
- During the ceremony, Shyam Jagannathan, Director General(DG) of Shipping, pinned the Merchant Navy Day flag onto the Governor’s jacket, symbolizing the commencement of the celebrations.
Maritime Awareness Walkathon:
i.On April 5, 2025, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, MoPSW flagged off the ‘Maritime Awareness Walkathon’ in New Delhi, Delhi.
ii.This event aimed to raise public awareness about the maritime sector’s contributions to India’s economy and to encourage community engagement in maritime activities.
Sagar Samman Awards:
As part of the National Maritime Day celebrations, the Sagar Samman Awards are presented annually by the MoPSW to honor individuals and organizations for their exemplary contributions to the maritime sector. The awards are categorized as follows:
- Sagar Samman Varuna Award (Highest Category): Includes a statue of Lord Varuna, a certificate, and a citation.
- Sagar Samman Award for Excellence (Second Highest Category): Consists of a ship model, a certificate, and a citation.
- Sagar Samman Award for Gallantry: Recognizes acts of bravery and includes appropriate honors.
Maritime India Vision 2030:
The Maritime India Vision 2030 aims to position India as a leading seafaring nation by establishing world-class standards in maritime education, research, and training.
Between 2014 and 2023, the number of active Indian seafarers increased from 117,090 to 280,000, reflecting a 140% growth.
