- Ministers Reaffirm Vision to Triple India’s Global Trade Share by 2047.
- India and the Netherlands Sign MoU for Green and Digital Sea Corridor.
- Key Maritime Financing and Green Shipping Partnerships Announced.
India Maritime Week 2025 kicked off in Mumbai, spearheaded by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), focusing on key agreements around sustainability, innovation, and investment. The Ministerial Plenary, led by Shri Shantanu Thakur and featuring remarks from Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, gathered maritime ministers and delegates from more than ten countries, including Norway, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka. Shri Sarbananda Sonowal described the event as a “turning point in India’s maritime journey,” emphasising the ambition to triple India’s share of global trade by 2047. Meanwhile, Shri Shantanu Thakur highlighted that “Skilling and sustainability are at the heart of India’s maritime transformation,” with a focus on creating a smart and green ecosystem, reports PIB.
India–Netherlands Green and Digital Sea Corridor Announced
A standout moment was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Maritime Cooperation and a Letter of Intent to establish a Green and Digital Sea Corridor linking Indian ports with the Port of Rotterdam. This collaboration aims to promote clean fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol, alongside digital innovations in port operations, marking a significant move towards decarbonization and sustainable connectivity.
Major MoUs Signed for Financing and Green Shipping
In the presence of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and other dignitaries, several business MoUs were inked:
- Invest International, Indian Bank, and ICICI Bank focused on maritime financing.
- Dutch Climate Fund Managers partnered with Indian entities for the Maritime Development Fund.
- MARIN and the National Centre of Excellence for Green Ports and Shipping collaborated on green technology research.
- The Port of Rotterdam and Deendayal Port Authority (Kandla Port) agreed on digital cooperation.
Additionally, a Dutch-funded KPMG report titled “Indian Ports: Enabling Smart and Sustainable Port Development” was launched. MoUs worth ₹55,000 crore were signed with companies like Adani Ports, JSW Infrastructure, Goa Shipyard, and Abu Dhabi Ports Group, all aimed at port expansion, skill development, and green shipbuilding.
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said the agreements “reflect India’s integrated approach to building a clean, connected, and globally competitive maritime future.” Shri Shantanu Thakur added, “India Maritime Week 2025 shows how global partnerships and state innovation are shaping the maritime vision for Viksit Bharat 2047.”
Innovations in Ship Financing and Reports Unveiled
Shri Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, discussed “Innovative Mechanisms for Ship Financing,” emphasising the sector’s potential to reach USD 1 trillion and advocating for the use of TOT, InvITs, and PPP models. He also introduced the India Maritime Report 2025-26, titled “Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision.”
Goa Unveils Vision Document and Port Projects
During the Goa State Session, which was attended by Dr Pramod Sawant, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, the Goa Maritime Vision Document was launched. MoUs totalling ₹3,525 crore in LNG and solar infrastructure, along with ₹6,163 crore in strategic port projects, were signed. The day also included the Sagarmanthan: Great Oceans Dialogue and Amrit Kaal Sessions focused on ship financing and registration.
Regional Sessions Showcase Maritime Potential
Sessions from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands highlighted regional strengths and investment opportunities, reinforcing India’s dedication to sustainable maritime growth and global collaboration.
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Source: PIB
