SMFCL Board Approves ₹4,300 Crore Loans to Enter Maritime Financing Sector
Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited has entered maritime financing with board approval for ₹4,300 crore loans in the current fiscal year, targeting ₹8,000 crore loan book by FY26. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has designated SMFCL as nodal agency for the ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund, comprising ₹20,000 crore Maritime Investment Fund and ₹5,000 crore Interest Incentivization Fund. India's first maritime sector-specific NBFC, registered with RBI on June 19, 2025, will offer comprehensive loan products to government and private maritime sector entities.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) has marked its strategic entry into maritime financing with the board's approval of ₹4,300 crore in loans scheduled for disbursement during the current fiscal year. This significant move positions the corporation as a key player in India's maritime financing landscape, with ambitious growth targets and strong government backing.
Strategic Growth Targets and Financial Projections
The corporation has outlined clear expansion plans following this initial loan sanction. SMFCL aims to build its loan book size to ₹8,000 crore by FY 2025-26, demonstrating its commitment to strengthening its position in maritime financing. The company expects rating assignments from major rating agencies shortly, which should help leverage borrowing costs and improve its financial positioning.
| Financial Milestone | Amount | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Current Loan Sanction | ₹4,300 crore | Current fiscal year |
| Target Loan Book Size | ₹8,000 crore | FY 2025-26 |
| Maritime Development Fund | ₹25,000 crore | Ongoing |
Government Support and Nodal Agency Role
SMFCL's ambitious strategy receives strong backing from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, which has designated the corporation as the nodal agency for establishing and coordinating the flagship Maritime Development Fund worth ₹25,000 crore. This substantial fund comprises two key components that will significantly enhance SMFCL's operational scope.
The Maritime Development Fund structure includes:
- Maritime Investment Fund (MIF): ₹20,000 crore corpus
- Interest Incentivization Fund (IIF): ₹5,000 crore corpus
SMFCL will hold and manage the Government of India's contribution to the Alternative Investment Fund established for MIF in a fiduciary capacity. Additionally, as the nodal agency for channelizing the ₹5,000 crore IIF, the corporation will expand its funding scope within the maritime sector.
Comprehensive Loan Product Portfolio
The corporation plans to offer tailored loan products to eligible government and private sector entities across the entire maritime sector spectrum. SMFCL's lending portfolio will encompass various financing solutions designed to meet diverse sector requirements.
| Loan Category | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Short-term Lending | Cash-flow mismatches |
| Medium-term Lending | Operational financing |
| Long-term Lending | Infrastructure projects |
| Non-fund Products | Balance sheet financing |
Additional Investment Opportunities
The upcoming notification of guidelines for the Shipbuilding Financing Assistance Scheme worth ₹44,700 crore will create new investment and collaboration avenues for SMFCL. This scheme represents another significant opportunity for the corporation to expand its maritime financing operations and establish strategic partnerships within the shipbuilding sector.
Company Background and Regulatory Status
SMFCL, formerly known as Sagarmala Development Company Limited, holds the distinction of being India's first maritime sector-specific Non-Banking Financial Company. The corporation achieved formal NBFC registration with the Reserve Bank of India on June 19, 2025, marking a crucial regulatory milestone.
Operating under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, SMFCL's primary mission focuses on bridging financial gaps in the maritime sector and facilitating targeted investments. The corporation aims to serve diverse stakeholders including port authorities, shipping companies, MSMEs, startups, and maritime educational institutions through sector-focused financial products.
Historical Stock Returns for JJ Finance Corporation
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| +4.98% | +5.35% | -11.49% | +13.00% | -42.15% | +531.75% |































