The Captain of Ports Department, Government of Goa, marked a strong presence at the inaugural Goa State Session of India Maritime Week 2025, themed “Blue Meets Green: Goa’s Model for Sustainable Maritime Development.” The session, held at NESCO, Mumbai, convened national leaders and global industry experts to advance dialogue on innovation, sustainability, and partnership in India’s maritime sector.

Goa’s strategic coastal position and commitment to eco-friendly maritime growth put the state at the forefront of India’s “Blue Growth with Green Responsibility” vision. Under the guidance of Dr. Pramod Sawant, the Hon’ble Chief Minister and leadership of Shri Digambar Kamat, Hon’ble Minister for Captain of Ports Department, Public Works Department and Legal Metrology Goa unveiled transformative plans including major investments in port infrastructure, green shipping, and advanced maritime technologies.

In his address at the main inaugural ceremony, Dr. Pramod Sawant remarked that the theme “Blue Meets Green” perfectly embodies Goa’s maritime journey – “a model for rapid, sustained development in harmony with the environment, waste-free waterways, and carbon-neutral shipping ecosystems”.

Key Announcements and Highlights:

Key announcements at the State Session included the launch of the Goa Maritime Waterways Infrastructure Development Vision Document and the signing of several MoUs. Notably, ₹200 crore was allotted for National Waterways projects in Goa by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), and a ₹3,500 crore agreement with Atlantic Pacific LNG was signed for establishing an LNG facility at Mormugao Port.

In this context, the Chief Minister expressed deep gratitude to the IWAI, stating, “With this allocation, the pace of infrastructure development in the waterways of Goa will be clearly visible.”

Additionally, the launch of a 2MW solar power plant at Mormugao Port and the construction of a floating marina were announced, reinforcing Goa’s pledge to renewable energy and future-ready coastal infrastructure.

The State also reiterated its position on the existing MoU with IWAI, emphasizing that the mutually agreed MoU signed on 10 January 2025 remains valid till January 2030 and adequately safeguards Goa’s jurisdiction and rights over its waterways.

Goa’s Holistic Maritime Agenda:

As elaborated by Shri Digambar Kamat, Hon’ble Minister for Captain of Ports Department, Public Works Department and Legal Metrology Goa, in his special address, the Government of Goa has initiated wide-ranging reforms to transform the state into a maritime model for India:

  • Establishment of the Goa Maritime Board: The forthcoming Goa Maritime Board Bill will unify the management of all port and maritime-related activities statewide, ensuring streamlined governance and modernization across coastal and inland waterways.
  • Cruise & Ferry Infrastructure: A new international and domestic cruise terminal is under development at Mormugao Port, along with a new terminal building at Panaji Port, and seven permanent jetties across Goa, complemented by 40 floating jetties under National Waterways. Feasibility studies for interstate ferry routes such as Goa–Mumbai and island development with submarine tourism are also underway.
  • Shipbuilding & Ship Repair Promotion: In alignment with the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Goa plans to facilitate green fuel-based vessels, hybrid propulsion systems, and single-window clearance for shipyards. The state is exploring participation in the ₹69,725 crore central package to revitalize shipbuilding and maritime clusters.
  • Green Fuel Transition: Goa is preparing a strategic action plan for green ports and waterways, with infrastructure for bunkering, storage, and transport of alternative fuels like green hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol
  • Skilling & Maritime Education: The establishment of the Goa Institute of Maritime Excellence (GIME), in collaboration with Ganpat University, will upgrade maritime education with advanced simulators, workshops, and professional training. Ganpat University has sanctioned ₹50 crore for these programs, ensuring Goa becomes a talent hub for maritime professions.
  • Support for Fisheries & Marine Tourism: At the heart of Goa’s maritime progress are its fishing communities. The state announced investments in modern fishing vessels, solar-powered cold storage, aquaculture development, and marine tourism initiatives such as underwater cruises, sea-plane operations, and ropeway-linked nautical tourism.

Towards a Sustainable Future:

Goa’s vision for maritime progress aligns with India’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and the national mission for Viksit Bharat 2047. As Dr. Sawant said, “Goa’s maritime story is one of transformation – from heritage to high technology, from local to global, and from blue to green.”

The Captain of Ports Department expressed gratitude to dignitaries, technical experts, and industry partners whose contributions are helping shape Goa’s path toward becoming India’s most sustainable maritime state.

Goa’s model now stands as a benchmark for coastal states across India – blending tradition, technology, and responsible growth to build a globally competitive maritime economy.