Goa Showcases Its “Blue Meets Green” Vision at India Maritime Week
The Captain of Ports Department, Government of Goa, made a significant mark at the inaugural Goa State Session of India Maritime Week 2025, held at NESCO, Mumbai.
Themed “Blue Meets Green: Goa’s Model for Sustainable Maritime Development,” the event brought together national policymakers, global maritime leaders, and industry experts to deliberate on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in India’s maritime ecosystem.
Goa at the Forefront of India’s Blue-Green Growth
Goa’s strategic coastal position, coupled with its commitment to eco-friendly maritime development, has placed the state at the forefront of India’s “Blue Growth with Green Responsibility” vision.
Under the guidance of Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister, and the leadership of Shri Digambar Kamat, Hon’ble Minister for Captain of Ports Department, Public Works Department, and Legal Metrology, Goa unveiled transformative plans — including substantial investments in port modernization, green shipping initiatives, and advanced maritime technologies.
During the main inaugural ceremony, Dr. Sawant stated,
“The theme ‘Blue Meets Green’ perfectly captures Goa’s maritime journey — a model of rapid, sustained development in harmony with nature, waste-free waterways, and carbon-neutral shipping ecosystems.”
Key Announcements and Highlights
The Goa State Session witnessed several major announcements, including the launch of the Goa Maritime Waterways Infrastructure Development Vision Document and the signing of multiple MoUs.
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₹200 crore allocation by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) for National Waterways projects in Goa.
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₹3,500 crore agreement with Atlantic Pacific LNG for setting up an LNG facility at Mormugao Port.
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2MW Solar Power Plant and the construction of a floating marina at Mormugao Port to promote renewable energy and sustainable port operations.
Expressing gratitude to the IWAI, Chief Minister Sawant said,
“With this allocation, the pace of infrastructure development in the waterways of Goa will now be clearly visible.”
Goa also reaffirmed that its existing MoU with IWAI, signed on 10 January 2025, remains valid until January 2030, safeguarding the state’s jurisdictional rights over its waterways.
Goa’s Holistic Maritime Agenda
In his special address, Shri Digambar Kamat, Hon’ble Minister for Captain of Ports Department, elaborated on the state’s comprehensive maritime roadmap — positioning Goa as a model for India’s coastal development.
1. Establishment of Goa Maritime Board
A Goa Maritime Board Bill will soon be introduced to centralize governance of all maritime and port activities, ensuring efficiency, modernization, and accountability across coastal and inland waterways.
2. Cruise and Ferry Infrastructure
A new international and domestic cruise terminal is being developed at Mormugao Port, alongside a new terminal at Panaji Port, seven permanent jetties, and 40 floating jetties under the National Waterways project.
Feasibility studies are also underway for Goa–Mumbai interstate ferry routes and island development projects, including submarine tourism.
3. Shipbuilding and Repair Promotion
Aligned with the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Goa aims to support green-fuel-based vessels, hybrid propulsion systems, and introduce single-window clearance for shipyards.
The state also seeks participation in the ₹69,725 crore central package for revitalizing shipbuilding clusters.
4. Green Fuel Transition
Goa is preparing a strategic action plan for green ports and waterways, including infrastructure for bunkering, storage, and transportation of green fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol.
5. Skilling and Maritime Education
The government announced the establishment of the Goa Institute of Maritime Excellence (GIME) in collaboration with Ganpat University.
With a ₹50 crore grant, GIME will enhance maritime education through advanced simulators, workshops, and professional training, transforming Goa into a maritime talent hub.
6. Fisheries and Marine Tourism Support
The state reaffirmed its commitment to empowering fishing communities through investments in modern fishing vessels, solar-powered cold storage, aquaculture, and marine tourism initiatives like underwater cruises, seaplane services, and ropeway-linked nautical tourism.
Towards a Sustainable Maritime Future
Goa’s vision aligns seamlessly with India’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Viksit Bharat 2047 national mission.
As Dr. Sawant emphasized,
“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 extended appreciation to dignitaries, experts, and industry partners for their contributions to Goa’s journey toward becoming India’s most sustainable maritime state.
A Benchmark for Coastal India
With its balanced approach — blending tradition, technology, and sustainability — Goa’s maritime model now serves as a benchmark for coastal states across India, setting a new standard for inclusive and responsible maritime growth on the global stage.
