Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address Global Maritime Leaders Conclave tomorrow
Maritime News, Mumbai, India : India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 entered its second day with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and national maritime security as policymakers, global executives and maritime experts laid out an ambitious roadmap to position India as a leader in the green maritime transition. The day included dedicated tracks on Green Maritime, Inland Waterways, Safety & Security, Cruise & Passenger Economy, and Global Supply Chain Reinforcement.
India’s Green Maritime Vision Takes Centre Stage
Speaking at the Green Maritime Day session, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized India’s decisive shift towards a climate-responsible maritime ecosystem.
“Our goal is not only to expand maritime capacity but to make it greener, smarter and more resilient,”
— Sarbananda Sonowal
He highlighted the sector’s crucial role — handling 95% of India’s trade by volume — and reiterated national commitments to:
30% reduction in carbon emissions per ton of cargo by 2030
70% reduction by 2047
Net Zero by 2070
Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, key ports — VOC, Paradip & Deendayal — are being developed as green hydrogen hubs, supporting bunkering, exports, and green industrialization.
India’s first national shore-power standard is now in place to allow vessels to draw clean electricity at berth, reducing port-side emissions. Ports like JNPA have begun deploying battery-powered cargo trucks as part of the shift to zero-emission logistics.
Five reports were launched, covering green hydrogen, e-fuels, zero-emission trucking, pollution control and green port performance metrics.
Sweden showcased collaboration in electric vessels, LNG fuels, and AI-driven smart port operations, signalling growing innovation partnerships with India.
Global Green Shipping Corridors: India Strengthens Diplomacy
Sonowal reiterated that Green & Digital Shipping Corridors (GDSCs) with Singapore and Rotterdam would accelerate clean energy trade and scale private investments.
“India’s geography positions us perfectly as a green trade bridge between global markets.”
— Sarbananda Sonowal
Defence Shipbuilding Breakthrough: First PPP Agreement Signed
A landmark Public–Private Partnership was sealed between Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. and Swan Defence & Heavy Industries for construction of Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) for the Indian Navy.
This is the first major PPP format in defence shipbuilding, combining PSU expertise with private yard capacity to advance Atmanirbhar Bharat goals.
Ports as Engines of Economic Transformation
Technical sessions highlighted ports as drivers of:
Industrial corridors
Digitalisation & smart logistics
Cleaner coastal shipping
Regional connectivity & job creation
India’s push to expand inland waterways gained traction, with IWAI outlining modernisation initiatives across national waterways to reduce logistics costs through greener transport.
Tourism on Water: Cruise & Passenger Economy Expands
Industry leaders urged streamlined regulation and upgraded port-city infrastructure to accelerate coastal and river cruise tourism.
Cordelia Cruises announced:
10-ship expansion by 2031
New home ports: Cochin & Vizag
Maritime Security & Safety Standards Strengthened
The “Guardians of the Sea” session focused on:
- Cybersecurity of ports and ships
- Autonomous vessel regulation
- Harmonised safety practices
The HSSC Management Standard was released to benchmark international-grade safety.
States Lead the Blue Economy Push
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh showcased new investment opportunities across shipbuilding, fisheries, minor ports and logistics parks — underscoring the role of states in maritime growth.
A Unified Mission: Sustainable, Secure, Competitive
“India’s maritime renaissance is anchored in sustainability, innovation, and collaboration,”
— Sarbananda Sonowal
The second day concluded with a clear message — India is powering a Blue Economy revolution based on technology, climate action, and global partnerships, aligning ambition with maritime heritage.
Up Next
29 October 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Global Maritime Leaders Conclave and lead high-level engagements with CEOs from major global maritime corporations.
