'Maharashtra Maritime Summit 2025 Charts Path To Global Shipping Hub,' Says CM Fadnavis

The Maharashtra Maritime Summit 2025, inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, was held in Mumbai on Wednesday with a strong focus on boosting the state’s maritime economy, infrastructure, and global collaborations. The summit brought together industry leaders, global experts, policymakers, and diplomats to deliberate on strategies to strengthen Maharashtra's port and shipping sector.

The event commenced with Nitesh Rane, Minister for Ports and Fisheries, presenting his vision for the future of maritime development in the state. He emphasized the need to skill the youth to meet the growing demands of a rapidly evolving port and shipping industry. Rane also announced the creation of a Maritime Acceleration Task Force, which will spearhead the execution of key initiatives to modernize and expand Maharashtra’s maritime footprint.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the transformative potential of major infrastructure projects, particularly the Vadhavan Port, which is set to become one of the largest ports in India. Once operational, the port will be connected to 24 districts across Maharashtra through the Samruddhi Mahamarg and various feeder roads. Fadnavis also revealed that the port will feature an offshore airport to boost cargo handling capacity and streamline logistics.

Expert panels at the summit explored diverse themes such as shipbuilding, shipbreaking, state maritime policy, and the future of inland and coastal water transport using navigable waterways. Speakers discussed Maharashtra’s potential to become a hub for maritime manufacturing and innovation, especially at a time when Indian shipbuilders are seeking international collaborations and global companies are exploring opportunities in India.

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Key industry players participated in the summit, including representatives from Adani Ports, Damen Shipyards, Haskoning, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, JSW Infrastructure, DP World, Rural Enhancers Group, Indigo Seaways, and Candela. The event also witnessed the presence of diplomats from various countries, reflecting growing international interest in Maharashtra’s maritime growth.

Reiterating the state’s commitment, Minister Rane called on stakeholders to collaborate closely, while CM Fadnavis assured that the discussions and recommendations made during the summit would be seriously integrated into Maharashtra’s evolving maritime policy framework.

The summit marked a significant step toward transforming Maharashtra into a maritime powerhouse and positioning it as a key player in global shipping and logistics.