Maharashtra Signs $2 Billion MoU with Abu Dhabi Ports Group to Boost Maritime Investments

A New Leap for Maharashtra’s Maritime Industry

Mumbai, Oct 2025 : For the first time in the country’s history, the Maharashtra government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Abu Dhabi Ports Group and Abu Dhabi’s Investment Services and Presidential Office. The agreement marks the beginning of a new era of international cooperation in the maritime sector, with the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways playing a key facilitating role.

The MoU signing ceremony, held at Varsha, the official residence of the Chief Minister, was attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Minister for Fisheries and Ports Nitesh Rane, Additional Chief Secretary of the Ports Department Sanjay Sethi, CEO of the Maharashtra Maritime Board P. Pradeep, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Ahmed Al Mutawa, CEO of Equiline Group Salah Al Nasser, and Managing Director and CEO of Rural Enhancers Group Ambar Ayde, among other dignitaries.

Under this agreement, investments worth up to USD 2 billion will be made across multiple sectors including shipbuilding, ship recycling, water transport, port infrastructure, and cruise management. The initiative is expected to strengthen Maharashtra’s position as one of India’s leading maritime hubs.

This is the first-ever agreement that Abu Dhabi Ports has signed exclusively with a state government in India, underscoring Maharashtra’s growing prominence on the global maritime map. The partnership aims to promote technical collaboration, port modernization, logistics development, and employment generation in the maritime domain.

Officials noted that the MoU aligns with the state’s “Blue Economy-Based Development Vision 2030,” which focuses on sustainable growth and the creation of world-class maritime infrastructure. The collaboration is expected to accelerate Maharashtra’s transformation into a global maritime powerhouse while fostering long-term, environmentally responsible development.