Dr Radhika Vakharia –
Ports are no longer just gateways for goods; they are evolving into dynamic hubs of innovation, sustainability, and economic resilience. This was the central theme of the high‑profile conference Ports as Engines of Transformation, held on 28 October at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, as part of the much‑anticipated India Maritime Week. The event brought together senior policymakers, global port leaders, and industry experts to chart the future of maritime infrastructure in an interconnected world.
The event opened with a welcome address by Mr PL Haranadh, Chairman, Paradip Port Authority, who emphasized how ports are increasingly becoming the focal point of global supply chains.
The first session, Ports as Economic Multipliers: Building Resilient Maritime Ecosystems through Regional Integration and Innovation, explored how ports can strengthen trade through cooperation, innovation, and integration.
Mr Rizwan Soomar, CEO & Managing Director, DP World (North Africa & India Subcontinent), highlighted ports as the centre of a maritime revolution, stressing the role of efficient multimodal systems in reducing logistics costs.
Mr Ashwani Gupta, Whole‑Time Director & CEO, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd, underscored affordability and accessibility as key drivers of port‑led growth.
Mr Sanjeev Ranjan, Technical Member, NCLT, and former Member, Adjudicatory Board for Major Ports, cautioned against unrealistic expectations, pointing to the National Logistics Policy (NLP) and Gati Shakti as frameworks guiding efficiency and trade corridors. He emphasized the importance of end‑to‑end logistics providers.
Ms Johannah Christensen, CEO, Global Maritime Forum, congratulated India on its immense port potential while stressing the importance of public‑private partnerships (PPP) in transitioning to a globally competitive trade economy.
Mr R Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary (Ports, PPP, CS, Sagarmala‑I & IT), Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, noted the steady progress made under national frameworks over the past seven years and announced that an upcoming integrated transport planning authority would be a gamechanger.
Dr Albert Veenstra, Senior Program Manager, Erasmus Centre for Urban, Port and Transport Economics, Rotterdam, asserted that ports are true engines of transformation, adding that effective institutional structures provide momentum to ecosystems. He also flagged cybersecurity as a growing concern requiring urgent attention.
The session was moderated by Mr Dhruv Gadhi, Partner, Transport and Logistics, PwC India, who steered the discussion toward how ports can catalyse regional trade, integrate with global value chains, and promote sustainable economic ecosystems.
The second session – Future‑Ready Ports – Evolving Capabilities for Smart Growth and Strategic Impact focused on how ports can leverage technology, innovation, and strategy to remain competitive and future‑ready.
Mr Ingvar M. Mathisen, CEO & Port Director, Port of Oslo, Norway, stressed the importance of maritime clusters in engaging ports more meaningfully.
Mr Tiemen Meester, Global COO, Ports & Terminals, DP World (UAE), emphasized that digitalization is imperative for ports aspiring to be future‑ready.
Mr Rinkesh Roy, CEO & Joint MD, JSW Infrastructure Ltd, highlighted the challenges facing the port sector, calling for major investments in deep‑draft infrastructure and connectivity to highways and railways.
Mr Daljit Singh Kohli, India Representative, Port of Antwerp‑Bruges, urged faster adoption of technology and reduction of manual paperwork to improve efficiency.
Mr Ajay Kumar Singh, Head of Section & Business Development Leader, Maritime Advisory India, DNV, described the Harit Sagar guidelines as a gamechanger for sustainable port development.
Mr Ashwin Arvind, Deputy Executive Director, PSA Mumbai, stressed the importance of agility and adaptability, noting that ports must deliver value to customers in an evolving trade environment.
The session was moderated by Mr Manish Sharma, Infrastructure and Logistics Leader, PwC India, who emphasized how digital transformation, logistics optimization, and integrated port development are making ports smarter, more sustainable, and strategically impactful.
The conference concluded with a keynote address by Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, who framed “Transport for Transformation” as the cornerstone of India’s economic development.
The event also witnessed the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Paradip Port Authority and major industry players, including Tata Steel, underscoring the collaborative spirit driving India’s port sector forward.
The Mumbai conference positioned ports as critical drivers of transformation in global trade and sustainability. By embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and aligning with national and international frameworks, ports are set to become not just gateways for cargo, but engines of economic resilience, green transition, and inclusive growth.
Marex Media