Delphine Estibeiro –
At the 14th edition of INMEX SMM India, South Asia’s largest maritime exhibition and conference held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai on 10th September, Mr Nitesh Rane, Hon’ble Minister of Fisheries & Ports Development, Government of Maharashtra, delivered a compelling address that positioned Maharashtra as a frontrunner in India’s maritime renaissance.
Speaking to a distinguished audience of global dignitaries, industry leaders, and maritime stakeholders, Mr Rane emphasized the strategic importance of shipbuilding and repair as key drivers of India’s blue economy. “Our oceans are not just routes of trade,” he declared, “but lifelines of economic prosperity, sustainability, and national security.”
National Vision…
India’s current share in global shipbuilding stands at less than 1%, but the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amritkaal Vision 2047 aim to catapult the nation into the top 10 shipbuilding countries by 2030 and top 5 by 2047. Mr Rane highlighted the central government’s robust support under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including the ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund and the extension of the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy 2.0 till 2036.
Incentives for green fuel vessels, infrastructural status for shipyards, and preferential treatment for Indian ships are among the measures designed to create a thriving ecosystem for maritime growth.
Maharashtra’s Maritime Blueprint
As the gateway to India’s maritime trade, Maharashtra is poised to lead this transformation. With 877 km of coastline, two major ports, 16 non-major ports, and the upcoming Wadhwan port, the state is already a maritime powerhouse.
Mr Rane announced the launch of the Maharashtra Shipbuilding, Ship Repair, and Ship Recycling Policy 2025—the first of its kind in India. The policy aims to contribute one-third of India’s shipbuilding and repair targets under MIV 2030 and MAKV 2047.
Key highlights include:
- Development of six shipyard clusters (Dighi, Jaigarh, Dabhol, Vijaydurg, Nandgaon, Bhanpur) and 11 standalone shipyards
- 15% capital subsidy during project execution
- Fiscal stimulus of up to ₹5 crore or 60% of project cost for infrastructure, R&D, and workforce upskilling
- ₹1 crore or 50% annual support for workforce recycling and training
- Potential to attract ₹18,000 crore in investment and generate over 1.4 lakh jobs by 2047
Environmental Clarity…
Addressing concerns around environmental clearances, Mr Rane assured stakeholders of streamlined processes through coordinated efforts with the central government. He also outlined upcoming initiatives including:
- A land management and waterfront allotment policy for maritime projects
- DPR preparation for passenger water transport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to ease urban congestion
- Economic feasibility studies for shipyard clusters
- Updated advertising policy for Maharashtra’s coastline to promote balanced development
A Call for Collaboration…
Mr Rane concluded with a call to action: “Let INMEX SMM India 2025 not only be a platform for discussion, but a catalyst for collaboration, partnerships, and breakthroughs that will shape the destiny of our maritime sector.”
With a visionary policy framework and strategic incentives, Maharashtra is charting a bold course toward becoming a global leader in shipbuilding and repair—anchoring India’s maritime future in innovation, investment, and inclusive growth.
Marex Media