IMU Chennai hosts ‘Thematic Dialogue on Transforming Indian Ports’; Focus on Capacity Building, Sustainability, and Digital Innovation
CHENNAI: The Indian Maritime University (IMU), Chennai Headquarters hosted a high-level Thematic Dialogue Session on “Transforming Indian Ports: Capacity Building, Sustainability, and Digital Innovation”, on last Friday,(August 29, 2025) bringing together key stakeholders from the maritime sector, industry leaders, academia, and senior officials.
The session was graced by Shri Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), who emphasized the government’s commitment to driving port-led development and strengthening India’s position as a global maritime hub.
The discussions focused on several critical themes shaping the future of Indian ports, including:
- Port-led regional development and strategies for enhancing infrastructure capacity
- Sustainability and green initiatives aimed at reducing the maritime sector’s carbon footprint
- Digital innovation and automation to streamline port operations and improve efficiency
- Capacity building and skilling through maritime education and training
The event also witnessed the signing of key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at fostering collaboration between industry and academia to address emerging challenges and opportunities in the maritime ecosystem.
Following the dialogue, a roadshow for the upcoming Indian Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 was organized, highlighting India’s growing maritime potential and upcoming initiatives. IMW 2025, scheduled from October 27 to 31 in Mumbai, is expected to serve as a global platform for stakeholders to explore opportunities, innovations, and investments in the Indian maritime sector.
Speaking at the event, Shri Sinha lauded IMU’s efforts in promoting capacity development, skill enhancement, and research-driven innovation, underscoring the need for integrated efforts between government, industry, and academia to achieve the vision of a future-ready maritime economy.