The Gujarat Maritime Board held a stakeholder meet in Mumbai on August 19 to showcase new investment opportunities across the state’s ports, shipbuilding, ship repair and marine manufacturing sectors, with an ambitious target of increasing Gujarat’s port capacity to more than 3,000 MMTPA by 2047.
What was the scale and focus of the event?
The “Stakeholder Meet – Ports and Shipyards Development in Gujarat,” held at Taj Santacruz, brought together around 200 stakeholders, including investors, maritime industry leaders, port operators, shipbuilders, financial institutions and representatives from more than 15 international organisations, to explore Gujarat’s next-generation port, shipbuilding and marine manufacturing opportunities. GMB presented investment opportunities based on Expressions of Interest for six greenfield ports and four shipyards, with the proposed Mega Shipbuilding Cluster at Kuchadi among the key attractions.
How strong was international participation at the meet?
The event saw participation from diplomats and senior representatives of several countries, including the Consuls General of Indonesia, Italy and Norway, alongside representatives from Singapore, the Port of Rotterdam and the Republic of Korea, underscoring growing international interest in Gujarat’s maritime infrastructure and its potential as a global port and logistics hub.
What did Gujarat government officials say about the state’s maritime roadmap?
GMB Vice Chairman and CEO Dr Ajay Kumar spoke about the growth of Gujarat’s maritime sector and its next phase of expansion. Harit Shukla, Principal Secretary of the Ports and Transport Department, highlighted the importance of policy continuity, investor confidence and the state’s public-private partnership model in driving maritime development. Director General of Shipping Shyam Jagannathan also addressed the gathering, underlining the investment potential in Gujarat’s maritime sector.
What did the two panel sessions cover?
The first session, “Investing in Gujarat’s Next Generation Ports,” focused on greenfield ports, the shipbuilding ecosystem and supporting infrastructure, moderated by Mihir G. Shah of EY and featuring industry leaders including Shashi Kiran Shetty of Allcargo Group, Dhruv Kotak of JM Baxi Group, Clint Carmichael of Gujarat Pipavav Port (APM Terminals) and Jibu Kurian Itti of DP World India. The second session, “Investing in Gujarat’s Emerging Shipbuilding and Marine Manufacturing Ecosystem,” featured Rajat Goyal of SBI Ventures, Dr Hari Krishnan S of Cochin Shipyard, Rear Admiral Vipin Kumar Saxena of Swan Defence and Heavy Industries, and Commodore PR Hari of Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers.
What networking opportunities did the meet offer investors?
The event gave prospective investors the opportunity to discuss the EOI-based projects directly with GMB officials and other stakeholders, with B2G meetings and networking sessions held to share information on project opportunities, investment processes and next steps.
What does this mean for Gujarat’s maritime ambitions? With its strategic coastline, established port infrastructure and industry-oriented policies, Gujarat is seeking to strengthen its position as a major maritime, shipbuilding and marine manufacturing hub, both within India and globally, as the state pursues its long-term target of expanding port capacity to over 3,000 MMTPA by 2047.
