Maharashtra has secured investment agreements worth Rs 76,000 crore in the maritime sector, with the state seeking to strengthen its position as an international centre for shipping, ports and logistics. Fisheries and Ports Development Minister Nitesh Rane invited global investors to explore opportunities across port development, shipbuilding, ship repair, logistics and exports.
Rane was speaking at the opening of the fourth Maritime India Conference and Expo, organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) at NESCO, Goregaon. The three-day event, running from November 2 to 4, has drawn participants from nine countries, including the Netherlands, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates.
He said Maharashtra, under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, was working to bring its port, shipping and logistics infrastructure in line with international standards. The state’s extensive coastline, natural harbours, industrial base and export ecosystem offered considerable scope for maritime investments, he added.
The government is prioritising infrastructure expansion to increase port capacity and strengthen shipping and logistics operations. Rane also highlighted single-window clearance facilities aimed at simplifying procedures, reducing approval timelines and making it easier for businesses to establish projects in the state.
The minister pointed to emerging water transport initiatives, including the proposed Mumbai Water Metro, and expressed confidence that it could become the world’s largest water transport network. The project is expected to improve urban connectivity while broadening the state’s maritime infrastructure.
Rane said the government wanted international companies to participate in developing ports, shipbuilding facilities and ship repair services. He also underlined the sector’s potential to expand industrial activity and create employment.
The conference was attended by FICCI president Vijay Shankar, Shipping and Ports Committee chairman Dhruv Kotak, Netherlands Deputy Consul General Thierry Van Helden, Shipping Corporation of India CMD Captain Binesh Tyagi, JNPA chairman Gaurav Dayal and other industry and government representatives.
Source: The Free Press Journal
