Bhavnagar news: In a significant step to strengthen India’s maritime and shipbuilding sector, over ₹66,000 crore worth of 27 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, in September 2025. The initiative took place under the banner of the “Sea to Prosperity – Transforming India’s Maritime Domain” program, organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).
The primary aim of these agreements is to accelerate growth in India’s maritime and shipbuilding industries, supporting the government’s vision to establish India as a global maritime power by 2047. Stakeholders from the public and private sectors, state governments, and international partners participated in the MoU exchange, reflecting a collaborative approach to maritime development.
Key Highlights of the Program
The event witnessed the presence of prominent leaders including Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Ministry of Labour & Employment and Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports; and Union Minister of State Shantanu Thakur, MoPSW.
Apart from the MoU signings, several major maritime projects were inaugurated during the program. Key initiatives included the HPLNG (Hazira Port Liquefied Natural Gas) regasification terminal and renewable energy (RE) projects in Gujarat, emphasizing the government’s focus on strengthening maritime infrastructure.
Overview of the 27 MoUs Signed
Port Development Initiatives
A significant MoU was signed for the development of Paradip and Visakhapatnam ports, in collaboration with the Odisha Government and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SFMCL). Under this agreement, a new port with a capacity of 150 million tons per annum (MTPA) will be constructed on more than 6,700 acres of coastal salt land in Odisha, representing a total investment of ₹21,500 crore.
Container Terminals
- Kolkata Port (Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port, SPMK) signed a 30-year concession agreement with JSW Kolkata Container Terminal to enhance cargo handling capacity.
- Paradip Port Container Terminal entered a similar 30-year agreement with Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel (AM/NS) Ports to expand its existing cargo handling facilities and increase throughput.
Water Metro Project
The Indian Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Bihar Government signed a MoU worth ₹908 crore for the Patna Water Metro Project. This project aims to use energy-efficient electric jetties, construct modern terminals, and integrate waterways with other public transport systems, improving connectivity and passenger convenience.
Strategic Joint Ventures
The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) partnered with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) to form a joint venture (JV) company for vessel ownership. This collaboration aims to modernize fleet operations and expand maritime logistics capabilities.
Shipbuilding Clusters
To promote domestic shipbuilding, MoUs were signed to establish shipbuilding clusters across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. These clusters will feature modern shipyards, research and development (R&D) centers, training facilities, ancillary units, and logistics corridors, boosting industrial capacity and employment opportunities.
Domestic Steel Usage
The Shipyard Association of India (SAI) and Indian Steel Association (ISA) signed an agreement to prioritize the use of domestically produced steel in shipyards. This initiative supports local manufacturing and reduces dependence on steel imports, strengthening India’s self-reliance in maritime infrastructure.
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Gujarat Maritime Board Partnerships
The Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) signed multiple MoUs worth over ₹13,600 crore with private partners including Act Infra Ports Limited, Modest Infrastructure, Chougule & Company, and SWAN Defence & Heavy Industries Limited. These projects will develop shipbuilding, repair, offshore infrastructure, and recycling yards in the Gulf of Kutch and other locations, generating employment and boosting trade.
Shipbuilding Collaborations
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) joined hands with IPRCL, SCI, SPMK, and Modest Shipyard to develop greenfield facilities, tugboats, and ship repair projects in Gujarat and West Bengal. These collaborations aim to enhance India’s maritime production capabilities and global competitiveness.
Financial Support Initiatives
Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SFMCL) signed MoUs with financial institutions such as Neo Fund, National Bank for Financing Infrastructure & Development (NaBFID), India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL), and Climate Fund Managers to fund maritime sector investments. The focus will be on green shipbuilding, fleet modernization, and maritime logistics through equity, co-investments, and innovative financing.
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Lighthouse Museum Project
Under another landmark MoU, the Directorate of Lighthouses partnered with Indian Port Rail & Road Corporation to construct the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat. The project includes one of the world’s tallest lighthouse museums, standing 77 meters high with a total cost of ₹266 crore. This initiative aims to preserve and promote India’s rich maritime heritage.
Significance of the Bhavnagar MoU Exchange
The signing of 27 MoUs worth over ₹66,000 crore represents a major milestone in India’s maritime development journey. Key benefits include:
- Strengthening India’s shipbuilding and port infrastructure
- Promoting domestic manufacturing and steel usage
- Encouraging renewable energy integration in maritime projects
- Creating employment opportunities across Gujarat and other coastal states
- Enhancing India’s global competitiveness in the maritime sector
With these initiatives, Gujarat is set to become a hub for shipbuilding, maritime trade, and innovative water-based transport solutions. The government’s integrated approach, involving both public and private stakeholders, reflects a long-term vision to make India a leading maritime power by 2047.
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Conclusion: Bhavnagar News
Bhavnagar news highlights the transformative potential of India’s maritime sector. Through strategic MoUs, joint ventures, and innovative infrastructure projects, the country is moving closer to achieving self-reliance, technological advancement, and global leadership in shipbuilding and maritime logistics.
From modern ports and container terminals to water metro systems and heritage projects, the Bhavnagar MoU exchange marks a significant step in India’s journey toward maritime prosperity, sustainable development, and international collaboration.
