Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has praised IIT Guwahati’s pioneering initiatives in underwater welding, offshore repair and next-generation manufacturing, calling them a “practical and result-oriented pathway” for India’s maritime advancement.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Underwater Welding, Offshore Repair and Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) programme at IIT Guwahati, the minister lauded the institute’s collaboration with the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). He also witnessed a live demonstration of a 3D metal printing–based repair of a marine propeller carried out by the IIT Guwahati team.
Sonowal said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “strong and visionary leadership,” India’s maritime capacity, skilled workforce and port connectivity have rapidly expanded, contributing significantly to the growth of the blue economy. He highlighted that Assam and the Northeast continue to play a crucial role in this transformation.
Emphasising the region’s strategic importance, Sonowal noted that the natural waterways and geographical advantages of the Northeast make it well-positioned to support an advanced maritime ecosystem. He added that technologies such as underwater welding, offshore repair and 3D printing are key to developing a faster, more reliable and cost-effective ship repair network.
“Traditional dependence on dry docking and imported components increases costs and delays operations. The solutions being developed at IIT Guwahati pave the way for practical alternatives that strengthen self-reliance,” he said.
The minister also congratulated the first batch of seven trainees who successfully completed the certification programme and now hold globally recognised qualifications.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to maritime innovation, infrastructure development and youth employment, Sonowal said the ministry would respond positively to outcome-driven proposals from IIT Guwahati and its partners within existing policy and financial frameworks.