Favourable Environment for Investment in Maharashtra’s Maritime Sector – Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane

Mumbai, Oct 2025 : The state government has formulated an independent policy for shipbuilding, repair, recycling, and dismantling, creating a favourable environment for investors in the maritime sector, said Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane.

As part of ‘India Maritime Week 2025’, Minister Rane held discussions with entrepreneurs from the maritime industries of the Netherlands, Singapore, and India at NESCO, Goregaon. The talks focused on Maharashtra’s Shipbuilding Policy, where he also learned about the expectations of industry stakeholders and invited them to invest more in Maharashtra.

Minister Rane stated that the government’s approach is to ensure the timely completion of projects being developed in Maharashtra. All required permissions and clearances are being provided on a fast-track basis. The state government is currently working on the development and capacity enhancement of existing ports while also emphasizing the construction of new ports. He noted that this requires modern technology, technical experts, and skilled manpower, creating vast employment opportunities in the state.

He further said that the government has entered into agreements with premier institutions such as IITs to produce the skilled workforce needed for this sector. This initiative, he expressed confidence, will benefit entrepreneurs, citizens, and the state’s economy.

According to Minister Rane, the new Shipbuilding Policy will help entrepreneurs invest and complete projects on time, with government support at every level. A dedicated task group has been formed for this purpose. The shipbuilding industry will be developed in a cluster format, ensuring all necessary facilities for entrepreneurs. He added that ports being developed for shipbuilding will be connected through road and railway networks.

During the meeting, entrepreneurs praised the state’s ongoing development work and appreciated the government’s policies for port development. They also expressed keen interest in investing in the port development sector in Maharashtra.

Companies from the Netherlands, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi, along with Indian firms such as Chowgule Shipping and Goa Shipyard, participated in the meeting.