Indian customs authorities and the Port of Rotterdam are actively engaged in discussions to digitalise cargo processes in India, with the aim of accelerating cargo evacuation and reducing ship turnaround times, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said following his visit to Europe's largest port .
Goyal, who met Port of Rotterdam CEO Boudewijn Siemons during his Netherlands visit, said the two sides are exploring how to introduce modern standards to streamline cargo clearance and improve operational efficiency at Indian ports. "The customs authorities in India and the authorities at the Port of Rotterdam are engaged to see how we can digitalise in India to bring in modern standards, faster evacuation of cargo, and speed up the turnaround time of ships," Goyal told reporters .
The minister emphasised that digitalisation is as critical as physical infrastructure expansion. Despite India doubling its port capacity over the past decade, Goyal stated that further capacity growth is essential. "By 2047, we expect port capacity to double twice over the next two decades to support GDP growth and international trade," he said . He noted that as India modernises existing ports and develops new maritime infrastructure, there is "immense potential to collaborate with the Port of Rotterdam, draw on its expertise and strengthen India-Netherlands cooperation" .
The timing of the cooperation is significant. India and the European Union are expected to sign their Free Trade Agreement by the end of 2026, with implementation likely in early 2027 . Rotterdam serves as a critical gateway for Indian goods entering the European market, making efficient cargo processing at both ends of the supply chain essential for Indian exporters seeking to capitalise on the FTA. Goyal noted that the Netherlands' world-class ports and logistics connectivity can play an important role in facilitating increased trade flows and strengthening India-Europe supply chains .
Port of Rotterdam CEO Boudewijn Siemons echoed the importance of customs cooperation and digitalisation. He highlighted that delays in customs clearance can hold up goods at ports for extended periods, underlining the need for greater coordination. "The quicker and the more efficiently that customs departments work together, the less delays there are in ports because of customs procedures," Siemons said, adding that digitalisation to ensure goods can flow more easily between India and Europe is a key area of collaboration .
The discussions build on existing digital infrastructure in India. The Sagar Setu platform, launched in 2023 as part of the National Logistics Portal Marine, already provides shipment tracking, vessel and gate information, and digital transactions for import and export clearance. Rotterdam's own digital ecosystem, including the Portbase Port Community System, offers operational experience in information exchange between shipping agents, freight forwarders, carriers, terminals, and public authorities .
Beyond digitalisation, Goyal's visit also touched on cooperation in green energy and carbon capture, areas he said offer significant environmental benefits and new opportunities for trade. The minister also engaged with the Indian diaspora in Amsterdam, encouraging professionals and academics to collaborate with Indian institutions and mentor start-ups .
No implementation timetable or list of participating Indian ports has been disclosed for the digitalisation initiative. The cooperation represents a shared intent to modernise cargo processes, with detailed scope and delivery arrangements still to be established . For Indian port users and exporters, the next developments to watch are the selection of specific processes, participating agencies, and measurable delivery targets that will determine how these discussions translate into tangible improvements in cargo movement efficiency.