The Government of India has appointed SBI Ventures (formerly SBICAP Ventures) as the fund manager for the ₹20,000 crore Maritime Investment Fund (MIF), a major initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s maritime infrastructure and expanding its blue economy. The fund is part of a broader ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund designed to support long-term investment in ports, shipping, and related infrastructure.
The Maritime Investment Fund will be structured as a blended finance vehicle, combining government equity with private sector participation to mobilize large-scale capital for the maritime sector. The Union government is expected to contribute around 49% of the fund’s capital, while the remaining share will come from private investors and financial institutions.
SBI Ventures will be responsible for key functions including fundraising, structuring the fund, managing investments, and overseeing the portfolio. The fund will also be registered as an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) under SEBI regulations, enabling it to attract institutional and global investors through structured investment channels.
The initiative is expected to support large-scale infrastructure projects in ports, shipping lanes, logistics systems, and coastal development. It aims to reduce financing constraints in the maritime sector and improve access to long-term, affordable capital for strategic projects critical to India’s trade and economic growth.
Overall, the appointment of SBI Ventures marks a significant step in India’s effort to modernize its maritime ecosystem, strengthen infrastructure financing, and accelerate growth in the blue economy through structured public-private investment models.
