The Mumbai Port Authority, under the aegis of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, hosted a special session titled “Regional Engines of Maritime Growth” in Mumbai, focusing on the theme “Unlocking Potential of States for National Maritime Progress.” The event was organized as a prelude to the upcoming India Maritime Week 2025, scheduled from October 27 to 31, 2025, in Mumbai.
Delivering the keynote address, Director General of Shipping and Chief Guest, Shri Sushil Mansing Khopde, emphasized the importance of centre–state coordination in driving maritime growth. He announced that roadshows in key maritime states will soon be launched to address seafarer training, welfare, and operational concerns such as shore leave and sign-on/sign-off at non-major ports. Khopde also underlined the role of state governments in crisis management, including salvage operations and oil spill response, while noting that India Maritime Week 2025 will serve as a significant platform for international collaboration with bodies like IMO and ILO, along with enhancing state-specific maritime branding.
Chief Port Officer of the Maharashtra Maritime Board, Capt. Praveen S. Khara, spoke on the state’s growing role in India’s maritime sector, emphasising the transformation of regional ports into smart, digitalised trade gateways through PPP models and strategic investment. He highlighted efforts to boost shipbuilding and ship repair capacity, improve connectivity to hinterlands, and promote coastal tourism and maritime heritage, positioning Maharashtra as a front runner in the nation’s maritime growth story.
Deputy Secretary General of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Jatinder Singh, in his address, emphasised the importance of aligning state-level maritime initiatives with national programmes to unlock India’s full maritime potential. He noted that states such as Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra have already shown how port-led industrialisation, strengthened by PPP models and multimodal connectivity, can drive regional and global growth.
The event brought together over 200 delegates, including senior government officials, industry leaders and prominent stakeholders across India. It proved successful in uniting key drivers of India’s maritime progress, hosting thought-provoking panel discussions, delivering inspiring and insightful addresses and reinforcing a collective vision for the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and the role States can play in boosting India’s Maritime Sector.
The event also featured a highly interactive panel discussion session that became a focal point for translating the day’s strategic themes into actionable ideas. Moderated by Mr. Shantanu Bhadkamkar, Managing Director of ATC Global Logistics Pvt. Ltd., the discussion enabled participants to explore in depth the roadmap for developing regional ports as smart, digitalized global trade gateways through PPP models and state investment. Panelists explored ways to empower coastal communities and the blue economy, boost shipbuilding, ship repair and inland water transport, improve multimodal connectivity with integrated security, and advance climate resilience and sustainability in coastal strategies. The panel included Shri Sushil Mansing Khopde, I.P.S., Additional Director General of Shipping; Shri Shantanoo Deshpande, Director & COO, Pace Marine Solutions Pvt Ltd; and Capt. Padmini Kant Mishra, COO – Terminals, JSW Infrastructure. State perspectives were represented by Shri Kalpesh Vithlani, GM Projects at Gujarat Maritime Board and Capt. M. Anbarasan, State Port Officer, Tamil Nadu Maritime Board who enriched the discussion with region-specific approaches and best practices.
A special presentation on India Maritime Week 2025 was delivered by DS MOPSW , Shri Rajesh Asati, showcasing the event’s strategic vision, key themes, and opportunities for collaboration, investment, and innovation across the maritime ecosystem.
The session concluded with insightful closing remarks and a formal vote of thanks delivered by Smt. Madhuri Ajay Varade, FA&CAO, Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA), acknowledging the contributions of all speakers, delegates, participants and the Indian Ports Association (IPA).
India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, scheduled from 27th – 31st October 2025 in Mumbai, is the nation’s premier platform to showcase progress across the maritime sector, including ports, shipping, and waterways. The event will convene global and domestic leaders to foster dialogue, innovation, and policy initiatives aimed at building a sustainable and future-ready maritime ecosystem. Featuring thematic sessions, business forums, exhibitions, and high-level dialogues, IMW 2025 will catalyze advancing India’s maritime ambitions.
