Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) had the distinct honour of welcoming Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium, Representative of His Majesty the King, during her official visit to India. Her Royal Highness, accompanied by an esteemed business delegation, was warmly received by Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairperson, JNPA and CMD, VPPL. Welcoming the delegation, Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairperson, JNPA, and CMD, VPPL, provided a comprehensive overview of JNPA’s operations, infrastructure developments, and the highly anticipated Vadhvan Port Project—a transformative initiative poised to bolster India’s maritime trade and economic growth. A defining moment of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between JNPA and APEC-Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Centre.
This agreement sets the foundation for establishing a port-focused training institute in India, reinforcing JNPA’s efforts to advance maritime education and develop a skilled workforce. Speaking on the occasion, Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairperson, JNPA, and CMD, VPPL, said: “It is an honor to host Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium and the distinguished delegation at JNPA. This visit reaffirms the strong maritime ties between India and Belgium. The signing of the MoU with APEC-Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Centre is a step forward in fostering excellence in port operations and training.
JNPA remains committed to enhancing global partnerships and driving sustainable growth in the maritime sector.” During the visit, Her Royal Highness and the delegation boarded the DEME hopper dredging vessel Congo River, berthed at the JNPA Coastal Berth, which is actively involved in dredging operations at JNPA. The delegation had the opportunity to observe the vessel’s advanced dredging techniques and operational capabilities, gaining insights into JNPA’s efforts to enhance navigational efficiency. The visit also served as a platform for JNPA to showcase its expertise in sustainable dredging solutions and commitment to maintaining world-class port infrastructure. Her Royal Highness and the delegation further visited the existing JNPA-APEC Training Centre, where they engaged in discussions on enhancing skill development and maritime training programs in India.
The visit of Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium to JNPA marks a significant step in strengthening Indo-Belgian maritime cooperation. It will also pave the way for future avenues in port development, training, and sustainable maritime solutions. The delegation included HE Maxime PREVOT, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation, federal government, HE Matthias Diependaele, Minister-President of the Government of Flanders and Flemish Minister for Economy, Innovation & Industry, Foreign Affairs, Digitisation and Facility Management, Government of Flanders, HE Didier Vanderhasselt, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to India, Embassy of Belgium in India, Frank Geerkens, Consul General in Mumbai, consulate general of Belgium-Mumbai, Piet Demunter, Acting CEO, Flanders investment & trade, Kristof Waterschoot, Managing Director, port of Antwerp-Bruges L, Ambassador Dirk WOUTERS, Adviser to Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid, ROYAL PALACE, Luc ARNOUTS, Director International Relations, PORT OF ANTWERP-BRUGES, Bram VANDEPITTE. Area Manager South Asia, DREDGING, ENVIRONMENTAL & MARINE ENGINEERING, Ambassador Dirk WOUTERS, Adviser to Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid, ROYAL PALACE.
