Sassoon Fishing Harbour to Be Developed into One of the World’s Best – Minister Nitesh Rane

MoU signed with Finnish companies for modernization

Mumbai, March 2026 : Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane said that the Sassoon Fishing Harbour in Mumbai, one of the major fishing harbours in the region, will be developed into one of the best in the world. To achieve this goal, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with companies from Finland to modernize and upgrade the facility.

The agreement was signed during a programme held at Hotel Taj Palace with Finnish companies Helvar, Mirasis, and River Recycle. The event was attended by Fisheries Department Secretary N. Ramaswamy, Fisheries Commissioner Vijay Suryawanshi, Managing Director of the Maharashtra Fisheries Development Corporation Prakash Khapale, Finland’s Consul General Erik af Hällström, Assistant Saju Nair, and State Secretary of Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jukka Salovaara, among others.

Minister Rane said that the old Sassoon Dock under the Mumbai Port Trust, along with the new dock operating under the Government of Maharashtra and the Government of India, has emerged as an important economic hub for the fishing community. With around 1,560 registered motorized fishing boats and an average annual fish production of 50,000 to 60,000 metric tonnes, Sassoon Dock plays a significant role in the fishing economy of both Maharashtra and India.

He noted that several development works have already been undertaken at the harbour in recent years. These include the construction of net mending sheds, workshops, underground water tanks, water supply pipelines, pump houses, protective walls, public toilets, and security guard houses. Arrangements for waste disposal, demolition of old structures, and construction related to an electrical substation have also been completed.

Currently, additional works such as an ice plant, strengthening of jetty walls, construction of rest rooms for fishermen, and a modern auction hall are in progress.

Minister Rane said that the government’s vision is to transform Sassoon Dock into a modern, efficient, clean, and environmentally sustainable fishing harbour. The modernization initiative aims to expand the use of technology, promote digitization, and improve overall infrastructure and operational systems.

He added that the three Finnish companies involved in the agreement will work to make the harbour safer, cleaner, and more technologically advanced. Their contribution will include initiatives such as plastic waste recycling, recycling of discarded fishing nets, and strengthening net repair systems through capacity-building programmes.

According to the minister, this partnership represents not only infrastructure development but also a major step toward transforming Sassoon Dock into a model fishing harbour that meets global standards, in line with the vision of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Minister Rane reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare of fishermen, modernization of fisheries infrastructure, and sustainable coastal development. He also called for collective efforts to transform Sassoon Dock into a symbol of progress, innovation, and prosperity for the fishing community.