Dr. Arvind Bhisikar, Executive Director (IT) at the Indian Ports Association (IPA), stands at the forefront of India’s maritime digital revolution.Dr. Bhisikar leads national initiatives that are reshaping the future of Indian ports. Under his stewardship, IPA is driving the transition towards intelligent, green, and secure ports, aligned with Maritime India Vision 2047. In Conversation with Veloxx Media, Dr. Arvind Bhisikar, Executive Director (IT), Indian Ports Association (IPA) shares his insights on the digital transformation journey, cybersecurity imperatives, and the collaborative strategies powering India’s emergence as a global maritime leader.
Below are the given edited excerpts:
INDIA’S PORT ECOSYSTEM IS UNDERGOING SIGNIFICANT DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION. WHAT ARE THE TOP PRIORITIES FOR DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE ACROSS MAJOR PORTS TODAY?
From my vantage point as Executive Director (IT), IPA’s digital transformation strategy is built on five key pillars, which I actively oversee to ensure a secure, data-driven, and future-ready digital infrastructure:
India’s major ports prioritize five digital infrastructure pillars:
- Smart Port Automation (Port 4.0): Deploying private 5G, IoT, digital twins, and autonomous equipment (AGVs/cranes) to transition from digitized to fully automated operations.
- National Interoperability: Implementing the NLP-Marine (‘Sagar Setu’) platform—IMO FAL/MSW-compliant—to unify stakeholders (Customs, DG Shipping, banks) for single-click data/payment exchange, with future MAITRI (IMEEC) integration and UN/EDIFACT standardization.
- Centralized Cybersecurity: Establishing a SOC with IIT Kanpur’s C3iHub for real-time IT/OT threat monitoring across all ports.
- Asset & Risk Governance: Developing ISO 27001-aligned ISMS for unified IT/OT visibility and predictive maintenance.
- Upskilling: Conducting ISO 27001 training and cyber drills to foster security-first culture.
Collectively, these pillars drive secure, automated, and interoperable port infrastructure.
AS CYBER THREATS EVOLVE, HOW IS IPA ENSURING RESILIENCE AND SECURITY IN PORT IT SYSTEMS AND NATIONAL LOGISTICS NETWORKS?
India’s IPA ensures cyber resilience and security in port IT systems and national logistics networks through a proactive, multi-layered approach:
Key actions include:
- MoU with C3iHub, IIT Kanpur for robust risk management in IT/OT and cyber-physical systems.
- Centralized SOC for real-time AI/ML-driven threat detection and rapid response across ports.
- Annual audits (ISO 27001/NIST), adoption of Zero Trust, network segmentation, and patch management.
- Regular training and workshops for port staff on ISO 27001, IMO guidelines, and OT threats.
- Secure national platforms (NLP-Marine, ULIP, MAITRI) with multi-factor authentication, encrypted APIs, and strict compliance to government cybersecurity standards.
WHAT ROLE DO EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES LIKE AI, IOT, AND BLOCKCHAIN PLAY IN ENHANCING OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY AND CYBERSECURITY?
Emerging technologies are revolutionizing operational efficiency and cybersecurity in Indian ports:
- AI & ML: Enable real-time anomaly detection, predictive maintenance, optimized logistics, and insider threat identification within security operations.
- IoT & Edge Computing: Deploy sensors for real-time data collection, with edge processing for rapid response and encrypted, secure device-level monitoring.
- Blockchain: Piloted for immutable trade document workflows and smart contracts, automating trust, ensuring transparency, and securing cargo manifests in logistics networks.
Together, these technologies drive intelligent, autonomous port operations and robust, multi-layered cyber defences.
HOW IMPORTANT IS COLLABORATION BETWEEN GOVERNMENT, PSUS, AND PRIVATE TECH PLAYERS?
Collaboration between government, PSUs, and private tech players is essential for IPA’s secure, smart maritime infrastructure:
- Government Leadership: MoPSW and IPA set strategic vision and policy, ensuring standardized protocols and funding.
- Port Authority Implementation: Major Port Authorities execute technology roadmaps, enforce security, and develop local talent.
- Private and Academic Innovation: C3iHub (IIT Kanpur) provides advanced cybersecurity R&D, while private partners drive edge analytics, 5G, and drone-based security.
This tripartite model integrates public oversight, operational execution, and cutting-edge innovation, resulting in a robust, efficient, and secure maritime sector.
WHAT ARE THE KEY CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING LARGE-SCALE DIGITAL INITIATIVES ACROSS PORT AUTHORITIES, AND HOW CAN THEY BE ADDRESSED?
Implementing large-scale digital initiatives across port authorities faces several challenges and targeted solutions:
- Digital Maturity Variance:
Ports differ in automation levels, with some still reliant on legacy systems. Mitigation: Modular five-year roadmaps, interoperable middleware, and phased rollouts enable tailored, gradual upgrades. - OT-IT Integration Risks:
Legacy OT systems often lack security features, posing risks when connected to IT networks. Mitigation: SOC-monitored network segmentation, OT testbeds for threat simulation, and adherence to IEC 62443 standards enhance security. - High Capex for 5G & Automation:
Advanced technologies like private 5G are costly. Mitigation: PPP models, vendor consolidation, and staggered infrastructure phases optimize investments. - Human Resistance & Skill Shortage:
Resistance to change and a shortage of OT security talent are common. Mitigation: Regular training, mock drills for all staff, and reskilling programs build cybersecurity awareness and capability. - Operational Continuity During Upgrades:
System failures can disrupt trade. Mitigation: Agile pilot projects, rollback plans, and simulator-based testing ensure smooth transitions and minimize risks.
LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR A DIGITALLY EMPOWERED AND CYBER-RESILIENT INDIAN PORT NETWORK OVER THE NEXT 3–5 YEARS?
Looking ahead, my vision for India’s port network is built on Resilience, Intelligence, and Sovereignty:
- Resilience: AI-driven SOCs will provide real-time, cross-port threat monitoring and rapid response, with strict adherence to ISO 27001, IMO, and CERT-In standards.
- Intelligence: Digital twins, predictive analytics, and blockchain will enable proactive maintenance, transparent cargo tracking, and reduced fraud.
- Sovereignty: Indigenous innovation—through homegrown cybersecurity, OT models, and blockchain—will ensure self-reliant, future-ready solutions, including post-quantum encryption pilots.
- Integration: Seamless digital corridors via NLP-Marine and MAITRI will connect ports, customs, and global logistics partners, positioning Indian ports as secure, compliant, and globally trusted.
By 2030, Indian ports aim to set global benchmarks in digital maritime operations and economic security. As Executive Director (IT) at IPA, I am leading initiatives like Enterprise Business System (EBS) for internal digitization, NLP-Marine and Sagar Setu for seamless trade, and ULIP for unified logistics—all aligned with international standards. The transformation is secured by a centralized SOC and cyber-physical defense developed with C3iHub, IIT Kanpur, complemented by partnerships with NeGD, IIT Madras, NISG, and BITS Pilani for advanced technology adoption. These efforts ensure resilient, intelligent, and sovereign infrastructure across India’s port network.
