Sagarmala Finance Enters Maritime Lending With Rs 43bn Sanctions

05 Jan 2026 CW Team

The corporation said credit ratings from leading rating agencies are expected shortly, which should help optimise borrowing costs and enhance funding flexibility.

The expansion strategy is backed by strong institutional support from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, which has designated SMFCL as the nodal agency for setting up and coordinating the flagship Maritime Development Fund with a corpus of Rs 250 billion. The fund comprises a Maritime Investment Fund of Rs 200 billion and an Interest Incentivisation Fund of Rs 50 billion.

SMFCL said it will hold and manage the Government of India’s contribution to the Alternative Investment Fund established for the Maritime Investment Fund in a fiduciary capacity. It will also act as the nodal agency for channelling the Interest Incentivisation Fund, further expanding its role in maritime sector financing.

In addition, the notification of guidelines for the Shipbuilding Financing Assistance Scheme, with an outlay of Rs 447 billion, is expected to open new avenues for investment and collaboration, the company said.

SMFCL will offer tailored loan products to eligible government and private sector entities across the maritime value chain. Its product suite will include short-, medium- and long-term loans, financing for cash-flow mismatches, balance-sheet funding and non-fund-based products.

Formerly known as Sagarmala Development Company Limited, SMFCL is India’s first maritime sector-focused non-banking financial company. It was registered as an NBFC with the Reserve Bank of India on June 19, 2025. Operating under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the corporation aims to bridge financing gaps in the maritime sector and support ports, shipping companies, MSMEs, start-ups and maritime educational institutions with sector-specific financial solutions.

Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited has announced its formal entry into maritime financing after its Board sanctioned loans worth Rs 43 billion for disbursement in the current financial year. Including this sanction, the company aims to build a loan book of Rs 80 billion in FY26, strengthening its position as a specialised lender to the maritime sector. The corporation said credit ratings from leading rating agencies are expected shortly, which should help optimise borrowing costs and enhance funding flexibility. The expansion strategy is backed by strong institutional support from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, which has designated SMFCL as the nodal agency for setting up and coordinating the flagship Maritime Development Fund with a corpus of Rs 250 billion. The fund comprises a Maritime Investment Fund of Rs 200 billion and an Interest Incentivisation Fund of Rs 50 billion. SMFCL said it will hold and manage the Government of India’s contribution to the Alternative Investment Fund established for the Maritime Investment Fund in a fiduciary capacity. It will also act as the nodal agency for channelling the Interest Incentivisation Fund, further expanding its role in maritime sector financing. In addition, the notification of guidelines for the Shipbuilding Financing Assistance Scheme, with an outlay of Rs 447 billion, is expected to open new avenues for investment and collaboration, the company said. SMFCL will offer tailored loan products to eligible government and private sector entities across the maritime value chain. Its product suite will include short-, medium- and long-term loans, financing for cash-flow mismatches, balance-sheet funding and non-fund-based products. Formerly known as Sagarmala Development Company Limited, SMFCL is India’s first maritime sector-focused non-banking financial company. It was registered as an NBFC with the Reserve Bank of India on June 19, 2025. Operating under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the corporation aims to bridge financing gaps in the maritime sector and support ports, shipping companies, MSMEs, start-ups and maritime educational institutions with sector-specific financial solutions.

Resources

09 Mar 2026

Haworth India Hosts Women’s Leadership Panel Series

Haworth India marked International Women’s Day by hosting a leadership roundtable series titled ‘Give to Gain’, bringing together senior women leaders from architecture and design firms, corporates and project management consultancies. The series has been conducted in Delhi and Mumbai, with upcoming sessions scheduled in Bengaluru and Hyderabad on 27 March 2026. Structured as moderated panel discussions followed by audience interaction, the initiative examined the business impact of women’s leadership and the role of inclusive workplaces in supporting professional growth. Manish Khan..

Real Estate

09 Mar 2026

Max Estates Secures RERA For Max One Project

Max Estates has secured RERA approval (UPRERA No.: UPRERAPRJ9759) for its Max One development around Max Towers in Sector 16B, Noida, bringing renewed progress to a project previously stalled following the insolvency of its earlier developer. Spread across around 10 acres with an estimated development potential of about 2.5 million sq ft, Max One is planned as an integrated mixed-use campus combining serviced residences, premium offices, retail spaces and a private club. The project is expected to generate total sales potential of about Rs 20 billion along with an estimated annuity rental inc..

Real Estate

09 Mar 2026

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..