Mumbai - India’s maritime sector needs stronger domestic mechanisms for long-term financing to sustain its growth ambitions, according to industry representatives attending the India Maritime Week 2025.

Ship owners and port developers expressed concern over the limited availability of affordable, long-tenure loans for vessel acquisition and port infrastructure projects. While banks remain the primary source of funding, high interest rates and short repayment periods have emerged as key challenges.

“There are no viable long-term financing options readily available for port infrastructure development,” said the finance head of a leading private port terminal . . .