SMFCL Sets Rs 250 Bn Plan To Boost Maritime Finance

24 Nov 2025 CW Team

Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL), a Mini-Ratna CPSE under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, held its Annual General Meeting and approved a forward-looking roadmap to strengthen India’s maritime financing ecosystem. The Board sanctioned an overall borrowing limit of Rs 250 billion, with Rs 80 billion allocated for the current financial year. To meet this requirement, SMFCL will mobilise funds through major banks, financial institutions and bond issuances under its resource-mobilisation plan, enabling the Corporation to begin lending operations shortly.

SMFCL is currently in discussions with leading rating agencies. With a positive sector outlook and a strong project pipeline, the Corporation is expected to secure ratings in the apex scale, boosting investor confidence and helping reduce borrowing costs.

As part of its strategic vision, SMFCL has established a comprehensive financing framework covering the entire maritime value chain. Funding will extend to ports, port-connectivity projects, port-led industrialisation, coastal community development, coastal shipping and inland waterways, with a strong focus on vessel financing.

The Corporation is also set to support India’s shipbuilding ambitions by providing financial solutions that help expand domestic capabilities and strengthen the nation’s global competitiveness. To meet varied requirements across the sector, SMFCL will offer customised loan products to eligible public and private entities. These will include short-, medium- and long-term financing options, support for cash-flow mismatches and non-fund-based instruments.

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