Chennai Port Organizes Event To Highlight Rapid Transformation of Indian Maritime Sector
Chennai:
Port Wings News Network:
Chennai Port Authority, under the guidance of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Government of India, organized an event to highlight the rapid transformation of the Indian maritime sector to the Port Users, Industry partners, and various other Stakeholders of Chennai Port Authority, on 20 September 2025.
Dr Kalanidhi Veeraswamy, Member of Parliament, North Chennai, and the Chief Guest of the event, highlighted the importance of the Sagarmala Initiative of Government of India, an ambitious initiative, has been instrumental for the development of the Maritime Sector in India. He highlighted the importance of developing the maritime sector for the National Prosperity.
As part of the event, Chennai Port officials and their stakeholders virtually participated in the event of “Foundation Stone Laying and Inauguration of Various Projects” by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, held at Bhavnagar, Gujarat.
The projects encompassed projects and initiatives from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), various other Ministries of the Government of India, the Government of Gujarat, as well as Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed with Industry Partners.
Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister, MoPSW, mentioned that India has make remarkable progress in the Maritime Sector with rapid speed, agility and confidence as envisioned by Prime Minister under MAKV 2047.
In the Bhavnagar event, Prime Minister Modi emphasized on the Government’s equal focus on robust infrastructure development and enhancing the ease of doing business as key enablers to unlock the full potential of India’s maritime sector.
He reiterated that the Government of India’s initiatives in this domain are aimed at reclaiming India’s historical maritime prominence—lost over centuries—and positioning the country as a global maritime leader, thereby contributing to national prosperity.
Prime Minister noted that the projects inaugurated reflect the vision of building an Atmanirbhar Bharat and a Viksit Bharat; “From Chip to Ship – India has to make it in India.”
He also highlighted transformative initiatives undertaken by GoI, such as One Nation One Document (ONOD) and One Nation One Port Process, which aim to standardize operations across all major ports and significantly improve the ease of doing business in the maritime sector.
Among the various projects inaugurated and foundation stone laid in the Maritime Sector, the “Strong Sea-wall and Revetment works for Coastal Protection” at Chennai Port —undertaken at an estimated cost of ₹33 crore— reflects its continued focus on infrastructure resilience and operational efficiency.
Reaffirming the Government of India’s unwavering commitment to advancing the Indian maritime sector, the projects in the maritime sector inaugurated by the Prime Minister underscore the strategic focus on port modernization, capacity augmentation, and coastal infrastructure development, all aimed at positioning India as a leading global maritime hub.
Sunil Paliwal, IAS, Chairperson of Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Limited, outlined the strategic long-term vision of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), as envisioned in the Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
He highlighted key initiatives and projects being undertaken by Chennai Port Authority in alignment with these visionary frameworks, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, reducing logistics costs, and improving the ease of doing business at the port.
Presentations such as — Completed Infra development and Upgradation Projects at Chennai Port such as Coastal Berth, Bunker Berth, Chennai Port Parking Plaza, Container Scanner, Paved Storage Yard, Renovation of Covered Sheds, EXIM Sheds, Gate 7, Integrated Command and Control Centre, Signal Station, Canteen, etc; Ongoing Projects at Chennai Port such as Chennai Port – Maduravoyal Elevated Corridor, Multimodal Logistics Park at Mapedu, Chennai Port Outer Harbour Project, EXIM Godowns, Capacity augmentation of Cruise Terminal, Revetment behind Coastal Berth, Seafarer’s Club, Modernisation of Fishing Harbour etc; Sustainability Initiatives at Chennai Port such as Shore Power Supply to Ships/ Floating Crafts, STP Plants (40KLD &90 KLD), Continuous Air Quality Monitoring Systems etc ; CSR and Welfare Initiatives at Chennai Port such a empowering over 50,000 Students in the last Five Decades at Chennai Port & Dock School, nurturing the Future by honouring the achievements of the Chennai Port School toppers of 10th and 12th Standard, Swabodhini School and Vocational Centre, Empowering communities through Education, Healthcare, Infrastructure and rehabilitation, were highlighted to the visiting lawmaker.
Global Recognition for Chennai Port — port became the first Indian Port to win International Association of Ports and Harbors Sustainibility Award at the World Ports Conference, Hamburg, Germany in Oct 2024 – was also highlighted.
Chairperson of Chennai Port emphasized that these initiatives will strengthen Chennai Port’s position as a key gateway for international trade and significantly contributes to India’s broader economic growth trajectory. The event at Chennai Port reaffirmed the Government of India’s resolve to strengthen the maritime sector as a prime mover of the national economy. By aligning with MAKV 2047, celebrating large-scale investments and initiatives announced by the Prime Minister, and envisioning global cooperation through Indian Maritime Week, the event underscored that India is on a determined path to becoming a world maritime powerhouse.
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