Maharashtra government has entered into a $2 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Abu Dhabi Ports Group and the Abu Dhabi Investment Resource and Presidential Office. The partnership marks the first time Abu Dhabi Ports has signed an agreement with an Indian state government, signifying a pivotal step in international collaboration across the shipping, logistics, and port infrastructure sectors.
Officials from both sides described the agreement as a catalyst for transforming Maharashtra into a major global maritime hub, aligning with India’s broader maritime vision and sustainable economic growth goals. The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has been instrumental in facilitating the framework for this collaboration, underscoring the strategic intent to elevate India’s coastal infrastructure and trade competitiveness. According to senior state officials, the MoU paves the way for large-scale investments across shipbuilding, ship-repairing, water transport, port infrastructure modernisation, and cruise terminal development. The multi-sectoral approach is expected to strengthen Maharashtra’s maritime footprint while generating employment opportunities and supporting ancillary industries. The $2 billion investment represents not only financial inflow but also a transfer of global maritime expertise and cutting-edge technology.
The initiative will be implemented through the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), which will coordinate policy integration, port facility upgrades, and sustainability-driven maritime practices. Officials noted that the focus will be on green port development, eco-friendly shipyards, and digital logistics corridors — aligning with the state’s ‘Blue Economy-Based Development 2030’ vision. This framework aims to promote resource-efficient growth, coastal ecosystem protection, and carbon-neutral operations in the maritime sector. Experts noted that the collaboration’s emphasis on sustainable infrastructure dovetails with India’s commitment to decarbonise the logistics chain and promote climate-resilient infrastructure. The introduction of smart technologies in port operations, renewable energy adoption, and waste-water treatment facilities are expected to make Maharashtra a benchmark in sustainable maritime development.
The state’s leadership has called the agreement a forward-looking step that could reshape India’s maritime connectivity with West Asia and beyond. The collaboration is also anticipated to create an enabling ecosystem for private sector participation, enhancing port capacity and operational efficiency while fostering international trade relations. The partnership, industry observers said, will help Maharashtra attract global investors, create skilled maritime jobs, and strengthen its role in India’s export-led growth model. More importantly, it positions Maharashtra at the forefront of India’s maritime innovation drive — one that is green, inclusive, and globally connected.
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