Sagarmala Finance to raise ₹8,000 crore to boost maritime infrastructure

The Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) Board has approved an Rs 8,000 crore fundraise for the current fiscal. An official statement said the maritime infrastructure lender is in talks with banks and financial institutions for raising these funds.

“SMFCL shall be offering tailored loan products to entities operating in the marine sector,” the Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) said, adding it can lend to both the government and the private sector. In all, this Mini Ratna can currently raise up to Rs 25,000 crore and is in talks with rating agencies, following which it may also approach the bond market.

Officials said SMFCL plans to start lending operations soon.


SMFCL said it “aggressively plans to provide financial support to the entire marine ecosystem including ports, port connectivity, port-led industrialisation, coastal community development, coastal shipping and inland waterways, with special focus on all types of vessel financing.”

India has been doubling impetus towards the maritime sector through a mix of financial incentives and regulatory changes. The recently concluded India Maritime Week 2025 saw investment pledges of about Rs 12 lakh crore, with nearly 20% focused on shipbuilding.

The supports include a National Shipbuilding Mission with a Rs 24,736 crore Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS). In addition, the Maritime Development Fund (MDF) has been approved with a corpus of Rs 25,000 crore to provide long-term financing for the sector. The Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS), aimed at establishing shipyards in the country through a Rs 19,989 crore budgetary outlay, has also been approved.