The IIMDRC, set to open in Mumbai, will offer a specialized platform for resolving maritime disputes through arbitration and mediation, aiming to position India as a leading hub for maritime arbitration. The centre was established following a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the India International Arbitration Centre.Meanwhile, the IMC, a think tank, will focus on fostering collaboration and innovation among maritime stakeholders.
The meeting also marked the announcement of plans for a Mega Shipbuilding Park, which will span multiple coastal states and consolidate shipbuilding capabilities across regions.
Another significant highlight was the keel-laying ceremony for India’s largest dredger, a 12,000-cubic-meter Trailer Suction Hopper Dredger, at Cochin Shipyard Limited. This project, developed in collaboration with Royal IHC Netherlands, is set to enhance the capabilities of major Indian ports and support the Maritime India Vision (MIV-2030).
Additionally, the meeting showcased progress on the Sagarmala program, with 262 projects completed and 217 more underway, reflecting substantial investments in India’s maritime infrastructure. The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat, was also spotlighted as a future international tourist destination, with agreements already signed with several countries.