India’s maritime sector is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by strategic collaborations and a relentless focus on modernisation, sustainability, and skill development. The country’s ports, now among the most efficient in the developing world, are becoming pivotal hubs for trade, logistics, and industrial connectivity. International partnerships are accelerating the adoption of clean energy and digital technologies, significantly reducing emissions and enhancing operational efficiency. This collaborative approach is positioning India as a leader in sustainable maritime development, setting new benchmarks for decarbonisation and digital integration across the industry.
India’s maritime sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, fostering numerous national and international partnerships and attracting substantial investments. During India Maritime Week 2025, record investments exceeding Rs 12 trillion were secured, marking a landmark moment for the sector. Nearly 20 per cent of this investment is focused on shipbuilding, underscoring India’s ambition to rank among the top five shipbuilding nations by 2047. These investments, spanning key regions and diverse maritime sectors, highlight a robust national commitment to shipbuilding, port expansions, technological upgrades, and green initiatives that will shape India’s maritime landscape in the future.
In Tamil Nadu, the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has signed 29 MoUs with various stakeholders, totalling Rs 909.36 billion. These agreements focus on port modernisation, shipbuilding, information technology, sustainability, and other services. The Chennai Port Authority (CPA) proposed an ambitious Rs 80 billion outer harbour project on nearly 90 hectares of reclaimed land, situated between the fishing harbour and Bharathi Dock. This project aims to significantly increase port capacity and accommodate ultra-large vessels with significant container handling capabilities. The CPA’s subsidiary, Kamarajar Port, also pursued separate agreements amounting to about Rs 150 billion related to port expansions and ancillary infrastructure.
Maharashtra emerged as a hotspot for maritime investments, with 15 MoUs totalling about Rs 560 billion. These agreements spanned port expansions, shipyard development, maritime technology upgrades, and ancillary maritime services. The largest share came from Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited, which committed around Rs 425 billion for the expansion of Dighi Port and adjoining industrial facilities. JSW Infrastructure committed Rs 37.09 billion for enhancing Jaigarh and Dharamtar ports. Shipbuilding investments were further bolstered by Chowgule and Company’s Rs 50 billion shipyard project, alongside Goa Shipyard (Rs 20 billion), Synergy Shipbuilders (Rs 10 billion), Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works (Rs 2.5 billion), and TSA Enterprises (Rs 10 billion), all advancing new shipbuilding and repair yards along the country’s coast. Maharashtra also unveiled innovative projects, including a water taxi linking Navi Mumbai International Airport with South Mumbai and plans for a modern marina to boost water transport and sports.
In Eastern India, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, signed MoUs surpassing Rs 480 billion, aimed at infrastructure expansion and port-led growth. Notable collaborations included a long-term dredging agreement with the Dredging Corporation of India to improve harbour capacity and maintenance, a major investment by Haldia Petrochemicals Limited in tank farms and petroleum infrastructure at Haldia Dock, and partnerships with Adani Ports, JSW Infrastructure, and Century Ports for new container terminal projects under public-private partnership (PPP) models. Other agreements involved UltraTech Cement building a bulk terminal at Kolkata Dock and real estate collaborations to develop the riverfront with firms such as Srijan Real Estate and Eden Realtors.
Gujarat’s maritime sector witnessed a Rs 170 billion MoU between the Gujarat Maritime Board and Gujarat Pipavav Port Limited, focusing on infrastructure expansion at Pipavav Port. This included container, liquid, bulk, and roll-on/roll-off cargo capacities, alongside green eco-friendly infrastructure and digital operational upgrades, expected to generate some 25,000 jobs and boost Gujarat’s vision as India’s maritime gateway. Odisha’s Paradip Port Authority has signed five major MoUs, totalling over Rs 23 billion, to enhance connectivity, coastal tourism, logistics, and green energy. Projects included a Rs 5 billion cruise terminal in Puri with the Odisha Maritime Board, a Rs 10 billion rail project for Bahuda Port’s connectivity, a Rs 3 billion maritime museum and logistics park, a Rs 2.8 billion import/export cargo initiative with Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative, and a Rs 2.63 billion green hydrogen mobility project with NTPC Limited.
These landmark investments represent concerted efforts to modernise India’s maritime ecosystem, fostering economic growth, technological excellence, and sustainable