In a significant step towards deepening maritime cooperation, Shri T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), visited the global headquarters of a major international shipping group in France. The visit built upon the foundation laid during the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s interaction with the company earlier this year and aimed to advance collaborative efforts in India’s fast-evolving maritime sector.
Advancing Maritime Partnerships
The Secretary held discussions with senior leadership and was briefed on the company’s growing presence in India across multiple segments — including shipping, shipbuilding, logistics, container terminals, and maritime industry investments. The company shared its progress on a five-pillar India Strategy, focusing on:
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Expansion of Indian-flagged vessels
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Collaborative shipbuilding projects
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Inland logistics development
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Industrial and port infrastructure investments
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Innovation and sustainability efforts
Key Projects and Innovations
Notable developments include the flagging of two Indian-registered vessels and the creation of a new shipping entity in Gujarat’s GIFT City. Discussions are also underway with Indian shipyards for LNG-powered container ships. On the infrastructure front, a major $200 million expansion is ongoing at Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal, alongside interest in contributing to the Vadhavan Port project.
In addition, the company expressed interest in sourcing from India’s ship recycling hub in Alang, as well as procuring green steel and containers in alignment with global environmental goals. The digital workforce in India now exceeds 2,200 professionals, with future plans to establish R&D and innovation hubs in major cities.
Strengthening India-Europe Maritime Corridor
The engagement also highlighted the shared commitment to enhancing connectivity in the India-Europe maritime corridor. Discussions centered around new logistics models, sustainable development, and improved trade flow infrastructure.
This high-level visit underscores India’s focus on global maritime leadership and strategic collaborations with international players to build a future-ready, innovation-driven port and shipping ecosystem.
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Source: PIB
