4th Maritime India Conference and Expo organised by FICCI
Mumbai, November 2026: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra is moving towards expanding its capabilities in the ports, shipping, logistics and export sectors at the global level. The state offers extensive investment opportunities in its ports and maritime sector and is ready to welcome global investors. Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane appealed to investors to set up industries in Maharashtra and become partners in India's progress in the global maritime economy.
The 4th Maritime India Conference and Expo, organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), is being held at NESCO, Goregaon, from November 2 to 4, 2026. The event was inaugurated by Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane. On the occasion, he highlighted the various investment opportunities in Maharashtra's ports and maritime sector, infrastructure development and the state's future plans for the sector.
Those present included Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry President Vijay Shankar, Dhruv Gautam, Captain Abul Kalam Azad, Gaurav Dayal of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, Jerrywell Helden of the Netherlands, Shipping Corporation of India Managing Director Vinesh Tyagi, Odisha Commerce and Transport Department Principal Secretary N.B.H. Rajput, and Maharashtra Maritime Board Chief Executive Officer Pradeep B.
Minister Rane said Maharashtra could emerge as a major hub for the port industry due to its extensive coastline, natural harbours, strong industrial infrastructure and favourable export ecosystem. Large-scale investments are being encouraged to develop the state's maritime sector, with investment agreements worth as much as Rs 76,000 crore already signed in this field.
He said emphasis was being placed on infrastructure development to promote opportunities in the ports, shipping, logistics and export sectors. The government is also focusing on investor-friendly facilities such as single-window clearances to encourage investments.
To modernise Maharashtra's maritime sector, the state is promoting innovative water transport initiatives such as the Mumbai Water Metro. Expressing confidence in the project, Rane said the Mumbai Water Metro would become the world's largest water transport network. He added that efforts were underway to give a new direction to Maharashtra's maritime sector by enhancing port capacity, expanding shipping and logistics operations, and boosting exports.
The state is focusing on combining Maharashtra's natural geographical advantages with its industrial capabilities and modern infrastructure to further expand investment opportunities in the ports and maritime sector. Rane urged global investors to take advantage of the opportunities available in Maharashtra and establish businesses in port development, shipbuilding and ship repair.
He said Maharashtra would play a significant role in achieving the national objective of strengthening India's maritime capabilities during the Amrit Kaal. Investments in the sector would not only lead to industrial expansion but also create new employment opportunities in the state.
Expressing confidence that the summit would prove significant in the state's efforts to make Maharashtra one of India's leading maritime and sea-trade hubs, Rane said the initiative would help strengthen the state's position in the global maritime economy.
