Goa Showcases its ‘Blue Meets Green’ Vision for Maritime Growth
Mumbai, India: The Captain of Ports Department, Government of Goa, made a strong impact 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 session brought together national policymakers and global maritime leaders to discuss innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in shaping India’s maritime future.
Goa’s Vision: Blue Growth with Green Responsibility
Goa’s strategic coastal advantage and eco-conscious policies position it as a leading model in India’s Blue Growth with Green Responsibility framework. Under the guidance of Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister, and Shri Digambar Kamat, Hon’ble Minister for Captain of Ports, Public Works, and Legal Metrology, the state unveiled transformative plans focused on green shipping, port modernization, and advanced maritime technologies.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Pramod Sawant highlighted that the theme “Blue Meets Green” symbolizes Goa’s journey toward balanced progress — “a model for rapid, sustained development in harmony with the environment, waste-free waterways, and carbon-neutral shipping ecosystems.”
Major Announcements and Investments
The session witnessed several key launches and partnerships:
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Goa Maritime Waterways Infrastructure Development Vision Document was officially unveiled.
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₹200 crore was sanctioned by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) for National Waterways projects in Goa.
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A ₹3,500 crore agreement was signed with Atlantic Pacific LNG for establishing a state-of-the-art LNG facility at Mormugao Port.
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Launch of a 2MW solar power plant and plans for a floating marina at Mormugao Port, strengthening Goa’s renewable energy and maritime sustainability initiatives.
Chief Minister Dr. Sawant expressed gratitude to IWAI, noting, “With this allocation, the pace of infrastructure development in Goa’s waterways will be clearly visible.”
The state also reaffirmed that the MoU with IWAI signed on 10 January 2025 remains valid until January 2030, ensuring Goa’s jurisdiction and rights over its waterways are safeguarded.
Goa’s Comprehensive Maritime Development Plan
In his keynote address, Shri Digambar Kamat, Hon’ble Minister for Captain of Ports, outlined a holistic roadmap to transform Goa into a maritime innovation hub.
1. Establishment of the Goa Maritime Board
The proposed Goa Maritime Board Bill will unify governance for all port and maritime operations, streamlining management and ensuring modernization across coastal and inland waterways.
2. Cruise and Ferry Infrastructure
Plans include:
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A new international and domestic cruise terminal at Mormugao Port.
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A modern terminal building at Panaji Port.
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Seven permanent jetties across Goa and 40 floating jetties under National Waterways.
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Feasibility studies for interstate ferry routes (Goa–Mumbai) and submarine tourism initiatives.
3. Shipbuilding and Repair Promotion
Aligned with the national Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme, Goa aims to support green fuel-based vessels, hybrid propulsion systems, and single-window clearance for shipyards. The state seeks participation in the ₹69,725 crore central maritime cluster revival package.
4. Green Fuel Transition
A strategic action plan is underway for developing infrastructure to support green hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol as marine fuels, driving a clean energy transition for Goa’s ports.
5. Skilling and Maritime Education
The upcoming Goa Institute of Maritime Excellence (GIME) — established with Ganpat University and backed by a ₹50 crore investment — will offer advanced simulators, technical workshops, and training programs to create a skilled maritime workforce.
6. Fisheries and Marine Tourism Support
Emphasizing the role of coastal communities, the government announced:
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Modern fishing vessels and solar-powered cold storage.
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Aquaculture promotion and marine tourism projects, including underwater cruises, sea-plane operations, and ropeway-linked nautical tourism.
Sailing Toward a Sustainable Future
Goa’s initiatives align with Maritime India Vision 2030 and the national Viksit Bharat 2047 mission. As Dr. Sawant aptly summarized, “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 gratitude to industry partners and experts contributing to Goa’s transformation into India’s most sustainable maritime state.
Today, Goa’s model stands as a national benchmark — blending tradition, technology, and responsible growth to build a globally competitive and environmentally conscious maritime economy.
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