Diplomatic missions briefed on key maritime opportunities as MbPA expands its role from a working port to a wider trade, tourism and port-led development platform
Mumbai, Mumbai Port Authority hosted an interactive session with Consul Generals, representatives of diplomatic missions, maritime stakeholders and senior officials at the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal, opening a focused dialogue on international cooperation in cruise tourism, marina development, shipbuilding, waterfront infrastructure and maritime services. The session, organised Mumbai Port Authority, was aimed at connecting foreign missions and trade representatives with major opportunities being developed around Mumbai’s harbour and Maharashtra’s maritime sector.
The importance of the session lay in bringing diplomatic missions directly into the next phase of Mumbai Port’s growth. For more than 150 years, Mumbai Port has served as one of India’s key maritime gateways. The interaction highlighted how the port is now building on this legacy by combining cargo operations with new areas such as cruise tourism, marine services, waterfront development, shipbuilding, convention infrastructure and international business partnerships.
Dr. M. Angamuthu, IAS, Chairperson, Mumbai Port Authority
Dr. M. Angamuthu, IAS, Chairperson, Mumbai Port Authority, delivered the context-setting address and underlined the changing role of ports in India’s maritime growth. He said that modern ports are no longer limited to cargo handling, but are increasingly becoming centres for logistics, passenger movement, marine tourism, shipbuilding, port-led development and global trade cooperation. “Mumbai Port has connected India with more than 100 countries over its long journey, and we now want to take this relationship beyond cargo into cruise tourism, marina development, shipbuilding, convention infrastructure and the wider maritime economy. Our vision is aligned with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, and we welcome diplomatic missions, trade bodies and industry partners to engage with us, share knowledge and explore future collaboration.”,” Dr. Angamuthu said.
Four key opportunity areas were discussed during the session. The Mumbai International Cruise Terminal was highlighted as an important cruise and passenger facility on India’s western coast, supporting cruise operations, tourism services and international passenger movement. The proposed Viksit Bharat Mumbai Marina was discussed as a 424-yacht marina planned over 14 hectares of water area in South Mumbai, with scope for yachting, sailing, marine services, hospitality, yacht repair and waterfront activity.
The proposed International Convention Centre and commercial development along Mumbai’s eastern waterfront was presented as a major opportunity in the convention, exhibition, hospitality and business tourism space. The project is being planned to support Mumbai’s position as an international business and MICE destination.
The National Mega Shipbuilding Cluster in Maharashtra was also highlighted as an important initiative being taken forward with the Government of Maharashtra to support shipbuilding, ship repair and allied maritime industries on the western coast.
The programme opened with a welcome address by Capt. Pravin Kumar Singh, Deputy Conservator, Mumbai Port Authority. It also included a corporate film on Mumbai Port Authority, a presentation by Shri Adesh Titarmare, IAS, Deputy Chairperson, Mumbai Port Authority, and a presentation by Shri Pradeep P, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, Maharashtra Maritime Board. Shri Vipin R. Menoth, Traffic Manager, Mumbai Port Authority, proposed the vote of thanks.
The session concluded diplomatic representatives and industry stakeholders. Mumbai Port Authority’s Business Development Cell will coordinate follow-up project briefings, technical discussions and site visits with interested diplomatic missions, trade offices and maritime businesses.
