The inaugural day of the much-awaited Global Maritime India Summit 2023 (GMIS 2023), hosted at the MMRDA Ground in Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai witnessed execution of 34 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth an impressive 3.24 lakh crore, underlining the commitment of various stakeholders to transform India into a maritime powerhouse. GMIS 2023 is off to a resounding start, setting the stage for a promising future in the maritime industry.
The inaugural day of the GMIS featured a series of insightful sessions, each addressing critical aspects of the maritime industry.
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, the Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways & Ministry of Ayush initiated the discussion on the future port development, stating, “Embarking on a transformative journey towards a brighter maritime future. The rise of ‘smart ports’ will revolutionize logistics through digitization and innovative models. Initiatives like ‘Digital India’ highlight our dedication to unlocking economic growth via digitization. These ‘smart ports’ will utilize data, automation, IoT, and advanced analytics for safer, efficient resource management. To stay technologically current, we propose a Digital Centre of Excellence (DCoE) for major ports, encouraging collaboration and cybersecurity focus. Additionally, ‘Harit Sagar’ – the Green Port Guidelines – leads us to zero waste discharge, with an emphasis on Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle principles.”
He highlighted that initiatives have been taken towards interconnecting major ports by 2030. Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) and drone-based security reinforces government’s commitment to modernizing port operations.
The session was also graced by Mr. Sanjay Sethi, Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (Moderator), Mr. Knut Arild Hareide, Director General of Shipping and Navigation, Government of Norway, Mr. Lluís Salvadó Tenesa, President, Port of Barcelona, Mr. René Piil Pedersen, Managing Director, AP Moller Singapore Pvt Ltd, Mr. Dhruv Kotak, Chairman (Ports & Shipping), FICCI Committee on Transport Infrastructure and Managing Director, JM Baxi Group, Mr. Rizwan Soomar, Chairman, FICCI Committee on Logistics & CEO & MD – India Subcontinent & Sub-Saharan Africa, DP World, Mr. Subrat Tripathy, Chief Executive Officer – Ports, Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Limited.
Shri Narayan Tatu Rane, the Hon’ble Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises during his session on ‘Driving Innovation & Research in Maritime Sector’ said, “For any country, the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) plays a pivotal role in boosting its industrial capability and thereby immensely contributing to technology upgradation and employment generation. India’s MSME sector is the backbone of the country’s economy and has been performing exceptionally well, helping shield our economy from global challenges and economic shocks. As has been the role of MSME vendors in manufacturing of auto, aeronautical & space exploration, electronics sectors – MSMEs will be key to India’s maritime sector attaining growth propelled by technology.”
The session emphasized aligning strategies with innovation outcomes, collaborative innovation for maritime capabilities, and skill development for seafarers. Furthermore, it underscored the potential of the Blue Economy and the need for skilled manpower. The “Special Session with Maharashtra” highlighted challenges in the state’s ports and transportation sectors, transportation connectivity improvements, and strategies to enhance industrial resilience. It also covered topics like tourism promotion, policy framework initiation, and attracting investments.
Shri Shripad Naik, Hon’ble Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Tourism, Government of India shared, “As we embrace technology, we must remember that these advancements are not just fancy gadgets; they are the gears that keep our maritime engine running smoothly. They ensure cargo moves seamlessly, vessels stay in top shape, and routes are optimized to save time and resources. These advancements are part of a broader national initiative, “Digital India,” which not only establishes India as a technological powerhouse but also emphasizes that technology should serve the people, improving their lives and livelihoods.”
The session further highlighted the integration of 5G technology in the Indian maritime sector. While on one side, 5G’s high-speed, low-latency connectivity enables real-time data exchange, facilitating remote monitoring and control of vessels and cargo handling, it also poses infrastructure and cyber security challenges. 5G has the potential to revolutionize the maritime industry, enabling efficient automation and digitalization, ultimately leading to safer and more efficient maritime operations.
The session was also honoured by Dr Malini V Shankar, Vice Chancellor, Indian Maritime University, Dr Venkata Ramana Akkaraju, Chairman, New Mangalore Port Authority, Shri Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Shipping, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, Cmde SL Deshmukh NM Retd, Representative to India, Industry Association Marinet, Mr. Cristian Valdes Carter, Country Director & Commercial Counsellor, Innovation Norway – India, Royal Norwegian Embassy, Mr. Maurice Jansen, Port Ecosystems Expert, Erasmus Centre for Urban, Port and Transport Economics, Rotterdam, Mr. Luis Garrido, CEO, MSM Offshore (Mediterráneo Señales Marítimas), Mr. Jeffrey Jeyaseelan, Director, Chrysable Technologies Private Limited and IT Advisor, Port of Duqm Company, Oman, Capt. D C Sekhar, Founder, AlphaMERS, Capt. Nikunj Parashar, Founder and CEO, Sagar Defence Engineering.
“The sea is our highway to a world of jobs, bridging local and global horizons. This summit is our harbour for collaboration, where ports like JSW and Dighi shine bright. With the Maharashtra Maritime Development Policy, we’ve set sail on a comprehensive journey, welcoming industries to navigate and flourish in our waters”, said Sanjay Basonde, Hon’ble Minister of Ports, Government of Maharashtra during the state session aligned for Maharashtra.
Additionally, the session was graced by Mr. Rajiv Jalota, Chairman, Mumbai Port Authority, Mr. Parrag Jain Nainutia, Principal Secretary (Transport & Port), Government of Maharashtra, Mr. Shardul Fadnavis, Partner, PwC, Dr Harshdeep Kamble, Principal Secretary- Industries & Mining, Government of Maharashtra, Smt. Jayashree S Bhoj, Secretary – Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department, Govt. of Maharashtra, Mr. K V Natarajan, Project Director, Karanja Terminal, Mr. K K Dave, Sr. VP & Unit Head, JSW Jaigarh Port Ltd, Mr. Ameya Pratap Singh, Managing Director, Yogyatan Ports, Mr. Aashim Mongia, Director, West Coast Marine Yacht Services Pvt. Ltd, Mr. Niraj Bansal, CEO, Hazira Port, Adani Ports and SEZ, Mr. Kapil Khandelwal, CEO, Dighi Port, Adani Ports and SEZ, Ms. Carla Salvado, Deputy GM – Commercial and Marketing, Port Authority of Barcelona.
Shri Kanubhai Mohanlal Desai, Hon’ble Finance Minister, Government of Gujarat, at the special session on ‘Gujarat- Powering India’s Maritime Growth’ said “Our coastline played a pivotal role in India’s overall economic prosperity. Gujarat’s extensive coastline, stretching over 1,600 kilometers along the Arabian Sea, has been a cradle of maritime excellence and a cornerstone of India’s economic resurgence. Our vision for Gujarat’s maritime future is one that encourages innovation, promotes research and development, and ensures that our maritime infrastructure keeps pace with the ever-evolving global trade dynamics.”
The session witnessed the presence of Mr. S K Mehta, Chairman, Deendayal Port Authority, Mr. Mihir Shah, Partner, EY, Shri Rajkumar Beniwal, Vice Chairman & CEO, Gujarat Maritime Board, H.E. Freddy Svane, Ambassador of Denmark to India, New Delhi, Mr. Jonathan Goldner, Chief Executive Asia and Middle East, APM Terminals, A. P. Moller-Maersk, Mr. Wim Van Gerven, Vice President – Director of Operations, ArcelorMittal Nippon, Steel India, Mr. Koen Cornilly, Manager Port Projects, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Mr. Subrat Tripathy, CEO – Ports, Adani Group and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ), Mr. Adhendru Jain, CEO, Rail and Inland Terminals, SCO Region, DP World, Mr. Shobhit Kapoor, Marine Operations Manager – South Asia West, Lloyd’s Register*.
Sri. G. Amarnath, Hon’ble Minister of Industries, Infrastructure, Investment & Commerce, Information Technology, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh highlighted the initiatives in the maritime sector of Andhra Pradesh, a region that has emerged as a beacon of progress, innovation, and sustainability in the maritime domain. He highlighted about the ‘Centre of Excellence in Maritime & Shipbuilding’ established in the state and shared, “This center plays a pivotal role in nurturing expertise and innovation in this critical industry. Through this center, we wish to drive technological advancements, supports workforce training, and bolsters the nation’s maritime capabilities. In an increasingly competitive global market, such centers are indispensable for India to maintain and enhance its prominence in maritime and shipbuilding endeavours.”
He further added, “Our commitment to maritime progress goes beyond infrastructure development. We envision a port-led development strategy, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a gateway to economic prosperity through trade by leveraging our coastal assets. We have spearheaded impactful initiatives aimed at fortifying the maritime industry’s foundation. Privatization of ports and services has resulted in a surge in infrastructure enhancement, investments, and overall industry growth. More than half of the cargo at major ports is now handled through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investments.
Dr N Yuvaraj, Secretary to Government, Industries & Commerce Dept. and Special Chief Secretary to Government, Infrastructure & Investment Dept. (FAC), Government of Andhra Pradesh, Sri Pravin Kumar, CEO, Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board, Lt Cdr Ravindranath Reddy, Dy CEO, Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board, Mr. S V K Reddy, CEO, Andhra Pradesh Inland Waterways Authority, Mr. Auszad Shaik, CGM- BD & PPP, Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board, Mr. Amlan Bora, Trade Commissioner- NBSO, Netherlands, Mr. Rajneesh Mahajan, Chief Executive Officer, Inorbit Malls, Mr. Merla Muralidhar, Chief Operating Officer, Kakinada Seaports Ltd. attended this session.
In the Special Session on Tamil Nadu, Shri E V Velu, Hon’ble Minister for Public Works (Buildings, Highways & Minor Ports), Government of Tamil Nadu, said, “This one-of-its kind GMIS in Mumbai underscores the global significance of the maritime sector, not only in India but worldwide. It is a testament to the crucial role that the maritime industry plays in the global economy. Our state, Tamil Nadu, with its remarkable 1,076-kilometer coastline and state-of-the-art ports, stands at the forefront of India’s maritime growth and with this event in Mumbai, we are served with a powerful reminder of the vital role that the maritime sector plays, extending far beyond our national borders.” The concluding session was graced by Mr. Sunil Paliwal, Chairman, Chennai Port Authority & Kamarajar Port Ltd, Mr Ennarasu Karunesan, Maritime and Port Expert, IAPH’s Regional Representative to India, Mr. Pradeep Yadav, Additional Chief Secretary (Highways & Minor Ports Department), Government of Tamil Nadu, Mr. Rajesh Lakhoni, Chairman and Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation, Mr. G Padmakumar, Executive Vice President SCM, Yokohama Tyres, Mr. Nikhil Garg, Director, Business Development and Sales, APAC, TECO 2030, Mr. Adhendru Jain, Vice President, Rail and Inland Terminals, Indian Subcontinent, DP World, Mr. Sourabh Shahapurkar, Regional Sales Head, West Region, Hyundai, Mr. Rakesh Sisodia, Executive Vice President Projects, JSW, Mr. Sandeep Kashyap, Chief Operating Officer, ACME Group, Capt Suresh Amirapu, Senior Advisor, PSA India.
