The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) is gearing up for a significant presence at the upcoming India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, scheduled from October 27 to 31 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The port aims to highlight Karnataka’s maritime capabilities, sustainable development initiatives, and investment opportunities, with MoUs worth around ₹53,000 crore expected to be signed during the event.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday, NMPA Chairman A.V. Ramana emphasized that IMW is one of India’s most influential maritime platforms, bringing together global leaders, innovators, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and investors to discuss the future of maritime trade, sustainability, digital transformation, and coastal economic development. NMPA will participate alongside MRPL, HPCL, NTCPWC, NITK, and other port-led industries from the region.
Mr. Ramana highlighted that the event will feature thematic sessions, CEO roundtables, technology showcases, policy dialogues, and strategic networking opportunities, all aimed at accelerating India’s Blue Economy vision. NMPA will participate as the Platinum Sponsor for IMW 2025.
During the event, Mr. Ramana will participate in several high-level panel discussions, including the Karnataka State Session on “Exploring PPP Synergies for a Sustainable Blue Economy,” focusing on sustainable growth across ports, fisheries, coastal infrastructure, and marine innovation.
He will also be a speaker at the Maritime Digitalisation & Future Tech Summit’s Global CEO Roundtable on October 30, addressing key topics such as investment priorities, regulatory enablers, world-class port development, coastal shipping and inland waterways expansion, shipbuilding and repair capacity, cruise tourism potential, maritime services, skill development, and port-led industrialisation.
Additionally, Mr. Ramana will moderate the GMIS session on the cruise and passenger economy, titled “Sailing into Prosperity: Navigating Opportunities in Cruise and Passenger Mobility.” The session will explore coastal cruising prospects, passenger terminal enhancements, leisure tourism infrastructure, and global best practices, with a focus on positioning India as a competitive cruise destination. Discussions will also cover ROPAX services as a cost-effective transport option and assess river cruise tourism opportunities from both Indian and global perspectives.
Mr. Ramana concluded that Karnataka, with its vibrant coastline and strategic trade linkages, is poised to become a key contributor to India’s maritime growth story, blending economic development with ocean stewardship.